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Casualties unknown

Float-Equipped Aircraft Crashes After Tree Impact During Takeoff (N7417G)

Patos Island, WA, US

On July 18, 1994, a Cessna 172K (registration N7417G) was involved in an aviation accident near Patos Island, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPAIRMENT OF JUDGMENT AND PERFORMANCE DUE TO DRUGS (MARIJUANA), AND HIS IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION, WHICH RESULTED IN HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE FROM TREES, WHILE TAKING OFF TOWARD THE CLOSED END OF A COVE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A float-equipped aircraft struck a tree with its right wing tip after takeoff from a cove, cartwheeled onto the shoreline, and slid into the water. The pilot lacked a seaplane rating. Toxicology found THC in blood and urine.

Accident Details

A float-equipped aircraft crashed during takeoff from a cove. The pilot, who did not hold a seaplane rating, began the takeoff toward the closed end of the cove. Just after liftoff, the pilot attempted to fly through a narrow opening in the trees. The right wing tip impacted a tree, causing the aircraft to cartwheel onto the shoreline and slide into the water. The cabin came to rest submerged.

Witness Reports

Witnesses reported that the engine sounded as if it had been running at full power from the start of the takeoff until the crash. No preimpact mechanical problem was evident.

Toxicology Results

A toxicology test of the pilot's blood showed it contained 0.015 µg/mL of tetrahydrocannabinol (marijuana) and 0.012 µg/mL of tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid. A test of the pilot's urine showed 0.326 µg/mL of tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jul 1994 Cessna 172K accident near Patos Island, WA?

A float-equipped aircraft struck a tree with its right wing tip after takeoff from a cove, cartwheeled onto the shoreline, and slid into the water. The pilot lacked a seaplane rating. Toxicology found THC in blood and urine.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jul 1994 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N7417G, at Patos Island, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPAIRMENT OF JUDGMENT AND PERFORMANCE DUE TO DRUGS (MARIJUANA), AND HIS IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION, WHICH RESULTED IN HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE FROM TREES, WHILE TAKING OFF TOWARD THE CLOSED END OF A COVE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01862. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.