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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Crash in Lake Following Acrobatic Maneuvers (N33322)

Lone Wolf, OK, US

On February 3, 1997, a Piper PA-28-200 (registration N33322) was involved in an aviation accident near Lone Wolf, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs, his resultant improper planning/decision, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude (clearance above a lake), while performing aerobatic flight. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot crashed an aircraft into a lake after performing stunts. The plane was not approved for acrobatic maneuvers. Toxicology tests revealed the pilot had consumed multiple substances, including marijuana and alprazolam.

Incident Overview and Witness Accounts A pilot met two passengers at an airport, where he purchased 10 gallons of fuel. An airport attendant estimated that each wing tank contained approximately 1 inch of fuel before the pilot added 5 gallons to each. During the transaction, the pilot made a comment to the attendant, stating, 'let me see if I can't scar these guys to death.' Witnesses later observed the aircraft flying over a lodge area, describing it as 'tilting at 90 degree angles on its wings.' They reported that the aircraft went 'inverted' before nosing down and disappearing from view. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a lake and was destroyed by the impact. One witness noted that the engine was making a noise 'as if it was getting gas and then not getting gas.' Another witness had observed the aircraft performing 'tricks and stunts' earlier that day.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Feb 1997 Piper PA-28-200 accident near Lone Wolf, OK?

A pilot crashed an aircraft into a lake after performing stunts. The plane was not approved for acrobatic maneuvers. Toxicology tests revealed the pilot had consumed multiple substances, including marijuana and alprazolam.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Feb 1997 involved a Piper PA-28-200, registration N33322, at Lone Wolf, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs, his resultant improper planning/decision, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude (clearance above a lake), while performing aerobatic flight. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's use of an aircraft that was not certified for…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07397. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.