Fatal aircraft accident following maneuvers near accident site

Casualties unknown • Palatine, NY, US

An aircraft crashed following a series of maneuvers and a tailspin, with toxicology reports later revealing the presence of cocaine in the pilot's blood.

What happened

Witnesses at the scene observed the aircraft flying overhead before it entered a sharp left turn, which was followed by a left tailspin. One witness reported that the aircraft made a sharp turn and descended straight down. Another observer noted that the airplane completed two full circles, described as "loopty loops," but could not specify the direction of the turns. This witness further observed that during a third circle, the aircraft was at too low an altitude to recover.

The owner of the aircraft suggested that the pilot may have been circling her brother's residence, which is located near the accident site.

Findings

An investigation into the circumstances of the crash included toxicological testing of the pilot conducted at the FAA Toxicology Accident Research Laboratory. The toxicology report confirmed that 0.187 (ug/ml, ug/g) of cocaine was detected in the pilot's blood. Additionally, it was noted that the aircraft was not equipped with a stall warning system.

Probable cause

The presence of cocaine in the pilot's bloodstream during flight maneuvers.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-07-24 Piper PA 22-135 accident near Palatine, NY?

An aircraft crashed following a series of maneuvers and a tailspin, with toxicology reports later revealing the presence of cocaine in the pilot's blood.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-07-24 involved a Piper PA 22-135, registration N8937C, at Palatine, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The presence of cocaine in the pilot's bloodstream during flight maneuvers.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19330. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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