Casualties unknown

1998-08-04: Cessna A185F (N888KS) — Phillips, WI

Phillips, WI, US

On August 4, 1998, a Cessna A185F (registration N888KS) was involved in an aviation accident near Phillips, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance with trees. Contributing factors were fog, rain showers, and the trees. 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 on a business flight was located 22 days overdue after impacting trees. Local weather included fog and light rain. No mechanical malfunction was found; toxicology tests detected diphenhydramine and paroxetine.

Overview

The pilot was conducting a flight to attend a business meeting. After the aircraft was reported overdue, an extensive search ensued. The wreckage was located 22 days later.

Search and Location

The aircraft was found after impacting trees. It traveled 165 feet from the initial impact point before coming to rest at an elevation of 1,800 feet above mean sea level.

Weather

Local authorities reported that the weather in the area near the accident site on the morning of the accident consisted of fog and light rain.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage did not disclose any evidence of mechanical malfunction.

Toxicology

Toxicological examination revealed the following substances:

  • Diphenhydramine: 6.24 micrograms per milliliter detected in the liver.
  • Paroxetine: 0.208 micrograms per milliliter detected in the muscle, and 24.4 micrograms per milliliter detected in the liver.

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly used in over-the-counter cold and allergy medications. Paroxetine is a prescription antidepressant also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic attacks.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10788. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.