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Pilot Unaware of Accident Sequence; Instructor Witnesses Stall and Descent (N68762)

Chapel Hill, NC, US

On June 5, 1999, a Cessna 152 (registration N68762) was involved in an aviation accident near Chapel Hill, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed resulting in the airplane stalling and entering a spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment by marijuana. 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

After landing, pilot reported no memory of the accident. A flight instructor observed a high-altitude approach, slow nose-high flight near stall, a left yaw, and near-vertical descent. Toxicological tests detected marijuana metabolites.

Accident Sequence

According to a flight instructor who witnessed the accident, the airplane approached the runway at a high altitude. The next time the instructor looked, the airplane was over trees at the departure end of the runway. The airplane was in a nose-high attitude, moving very slowly, and appeared to be on the edge of a stall. The airplane then yawed sharply to the left and entered a nose-down, near-vertical descent before disappearing into the trees.

Pilot Statement

Following the accident, the pilot spoke with an FAA inspector. The pilot stated that he did not remember anything about the accident.

Toxicology Findings

Postcrash toxicology tests detected the presence of marijuana metabolites. The test results were positive for 0.247 micrograms per milliliter of marijuana in urine and 0.027 micrograms per milliliter of marijuana in serum.

Aircraft Examination

An FAA inspector conducted a postcrash examination of the airplane's structure, flight controls, and engine. The examination revealed no evidence of precrash failure or malfunction.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 1999 Cessna 152 accident near Chapel Hill, NC?

After landing, pilot reported no memory of the accident. A flight instructor observed a high-altitude approach, slow nose-high flight near stall, a left yaw, and near-vertical descent. Toxicological tests detected marijuana metabolites.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 1999 involved a Cessna 152, registration N68762, at Chapel Hill, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed resulting in the airplane stalling and entering a spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment by marijuana.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19055. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.