Casualties unknown

1996-04-12: Cessna 177B (N19884) — Perry, MO

Perry, MO, US

On April 12, 1996, a Cessna 177B (registration N19884) was involved in an aviation accident near Perry, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the power transmission wires. Darkness, restricting the pilot's ability to see-and-avoid the transmission line, was a related factor. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane collided with electrical power lines about 700 feet downstream from a dam and 125 feet above water. The surviving passenger reported the pilot wanted a closer look at the dam. Toxicology tests showed the pilot had ethanol in his system.

Accident Details

The airplane struck electrical power lines that were positioned approximately 700 feet downstream from a dam and about 125 feet above the water. The exact aircraft type, registration, operator, and engine count are not specified in the official source.

Passenger Account

The surviving passenger stated that he and the pilot had consumed beer at his home before going to a local restaurant and lounge, where they remained until about 0130. They left the restaurant with two friends they had met there, and one of the friends purchased a 12-pack of beer on the way to the airport. The pilot and three passengers then flew for about an hour before descending near a dam. According to the passenger, the pilot expressed a desire to get a closer look at the dam. Just before the crash, the passenger saw the dam above the airplane's front window, then heard the airplane hit something and observed sparks.

Toxicology Results

Toxicology tests conducted at the FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) laboratory revealed that the pilot had ethanol levels of 130 mg/dL in blood, 135 mg/dL in vitreous fluid, and 179 mg/dL in urine.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05532. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.