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Casualties unknown

1997-07-15: Mooney M20C (N777TU) — Sarepta, LA

Sarepta, LA, US

On July 15, 1997, a Mooney M20C (registration N777TU) was involved in an aviation accident near Sarepta, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot was severely impaired by methamphetamine use, leading to an erratic flight path and loss of engine power resulting in the impact with terrain. 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 aircraft impacted terrain in a hilly wooded area after experiencing engine power loss during a five-hour VFR cross-country flight.

What happened

A VFR cross-country flight lasted approximately five hours before the aircraft impacted terrain in a hilly, wooded area. During the final stages of the flight, the aircraft's track was erratic, characterized by numerous changes in altitude and heading while meandering near the Springhill NDB. The onboard Sectional Aeronural Chart indicated that the Springhill NDB was located at the airport; however, investigation determined the NDB was actually situated 3.8 miles south of the airport.

The investigation

Investigators confirmed both engine continuity and flight control functionality. An examination of the fuel system showed no compromised integrity. Fuel levels were recorded as follows: 23 ounces in the left tank, zero ounces in the right tank, and 2 ounces in the fuel gascolator.

An engine run test provided no evidence that the engine was incapable of operating prior to the accident. However, toxicological analysis revealed the presence of methamphetamine in the pilot's system, with levels of 1.081 ug/ml detected in the blood and 6.293 ug/ml detected in the liver. Medical experts concluded that these levels would have caused severe impairment of the pilot.

Probable cause

The pilot was severely impaired by methamphetamine use, leading to an erratic flight path and loss of engine power resulting in the impact with terrain.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08356. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.