1994-02-20: Stinson 108-3 — Hinsdale, Terry L.

1994-02-20: Stinson 108-3 — Hinsdale, Terry L. — Redlands, CA

Casualties unknown • Redlands, CA, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPAIRMENT OF JUDGMENT AND PERFORMANCE DUE TO ALCOHOL, WHICH LED TO HIS IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARKNESS AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TRAINING/CERTIFICATION FOR FLYING AT NIGHT.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

A GROUND WITNESS OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE AT NIGHT, FLYING TOWARD THE AIRPORT AT A LOW ALTITUDE IN VFR CONDITIONS. SOON THEREAFTER, IT STRUCK A 45-FOOT-HIGH POWERLINE & CRASHED. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED ABOUT 3-3/4 MILES WEST OF THE AIRPORT. AN EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF A PREEXISTING AIRFRAME OR ENGINE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE. THE PILOT'S PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE CONTAINED AN ENDORSEMENT THAT RESTRICTED HIM FROM FLYING AT NIGHT, SINCE HE HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY NIGHT INSTRUCTION BEFORE APPLYING FOR THE CERTIFICATE. A TOXICOLOGY CHECK OF HIS BLOOD SHOWED AN ALCOHOL LEVEL OF 0.18%.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-02-20 Stinson 108-3 accident near Redlands, CA?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-02-20 involved a Stinson 108-3, registration N6009M, operated by Hinsdale, Terry L., at Redlands, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPAIRMENT OF JUDGMENT AND PERFORMANCE DUE TO ALCOHOL, WHICH LED TO HIS IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARKNESS AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TRAINING/CERTIFICATION FOR FLYING AT NIGHT.

Loading the flight search…