What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-08-21 involved a Cessna 140, registration N76429, at Mio, MI.

Aircraft Departure and Maneuvers Precede Collision with Trees (N76429)

On August 21, 1995, a Cessna 140 (registration N76429) was involved in an aviation accident near Mio, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's impairment of judgement and performance which led to performing a low altitude maneuver with insufficient altitude for recovery. A factor was the tailwind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

An airplane departing runway 27 cleared trees by 10-30 ft, then performed steep left banks before striking trees with its left wing and landing inverted. Engine and airframe examination found no anomalies. Toxicology detected Chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine not approved for piloting.

Departure and Maneuvers

After departing from runway 27, the airplane cleared the trees at the end of the airport property by an estimated 10 to 30 feet of vertical clearance. It then entered a left bank of 60 to 90 degrees, leveled off for approximately one-quarter mile, and subsequently initiated another left bank of about 90 degrees. During this maneuver, the airplane struck trees with its left wing pointed downward and came to rest in an inverted position.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses reported that the engine sounded normal with no sputtering throughout the flight. One witness noted that the pilot had not been feeling well, appeared lethargic, and was moving in "slow motion." The same witness stated that the pilot had taken one Contact medication that morning.

Examination Findings

Post-accident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no anomalies. The local winds at the time were reported as 270 degrees at 11 miles per hour, gusting to 20 miles per hour.

Toxicology Report

Toxicology testing detected Chlorpheniramine at a concentration of 0.136 ug/ml in the pilot's blood. This drug, an ingredient in Contact, is not approved for use while piloting an aircraft.

1995-08-21: Cessna 140 (N76429) — Mio, MI