FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Accident Involving Control Lock and Pilot Alcohol (N15326)

New Bedford, MA, US

On April 26, 1998, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N15326) was involved in an aviation accident near New Bedford, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's impairment due to alcohol, which resulted in an inadequate preflight examination and subsequent takeoff with a control lock installed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

An airplane departed Runway 5, climbed steeply, turned, and descended to the ground. A control lock with a padlock was found on the right flight control column. The pilot's blood alcohol was 0.155%.

Witness Observation

A witness observed the airplane depart Runway 5 and climb at a steep angle. The aircraft then turned to the northwest, followed by a turn to the northeast, and descended steeply to the ground.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector revealed a control lock device, with a locked padlock, installed on the right hand flight control column.

Toxicological Testing

Toxicological testing detected 155 mg/dL (0.155%) ethanol in the pilot's blood, 187 mg/dL ethanol in the vitreous, and 205 mg/dL ethanol in the urine.

Regulatory Reference

A review of 14 CFR Part 91.17 stated, "(a) No Person may act or attempt to act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft...(4) While having a .04 percent by weight or more alcohol in the blood."

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Apr 1998 Piper PA-32-300 accident near New Bedford, MA?

An airplane departed Runway 5, climbed steeply, turned, and descended to the ground. A control lock with a padlock was found on the right flight control column. The pilot's blood alcohol was 0.155%.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Apr 1998 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N15326, at New Bedford, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's impairment due to alcohol, which resulted in an inadequate preflight examination and subsequent takeoff with a control lock installed.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09945. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.