Casualties unknown

1999-07-24: Piper PA 22-135 (N8937C) — Palatine, NY

Palatine, NY, US

On July 24, 1999, a Piper PA 22-135 (registration N8937C) was involved in an aviation accident near Palatine, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot was impaired by an illegal drug, and entered an inadvertent stall/spin. 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

Multiple witnesses observed an airplane performing sharp turns, a tailspin, and loops before descending too low to recover. Toxicological tests detected cocaine in the pilot's blood. The aircraft lacked a stall warning system.

Witness Observations

Three witnesses reported observing unusual maneuvers by an airplane prior to the accident. One witness stated that they saw the aircraft fly overhead and enter a 'sharp' left turn, followed by a left 'tailspin.' Another witness described the airplane making a sharp turn and then going straight down. A third witness reported that the airplane made two complete circles, characterized as 'loopty loop(s),' though the direction was not specified. This witness further noted that during the third circle, the airplane was too low to recover.

Pilot's Background (Owner Statement)

The owner of the airplane stated that the pilot's brother lived near the accident site. The owner believed the pilot may have been circling her brother's house.

Aircraft Information

The owner further stated that the airplane was not equipped with a stall warning system.

Toxicology Results

Toxicological testing of the pilot was conducted at the FAA Toxicology Accident Research Laboratory. According to the toxicology report, 0.187 (ug/ml, ug/g) of cocaine was detected in the blood.

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.