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Airplane Collides with Tree After Witnesses Observe Erratic Maneuvering (N23ZH)

Nashville, TN, US

On September 25, 1999, a North American T-6-SNJ-5 (registration N23ZH) was involved in an aviation accident near Nashville, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in a stall and the loss of control. A factor was pilot impairment due to the use of drugs. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Eyewitnesses reported an airplane at 1000-800 ft, entering a nose-low attitude and rolling inverted before disappearing. The aircraft struck a tree. Investigation found no mechanical failure, but toxicology detected cocaine metabolite and antihistamine.

Eyewitness Accounts

Multiple eyewitnesses observed the airplane in the immediate vicinity of the accident site and flying over the city at altitudes between 1000 and 800 feet above the ground. One witness reported that the airplane entered a nose-low attitude, rolled inverted, and then disappeared behind buildings. Another witness near the accident site saw the airplane as it collided with a tree.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the airframe and engine assemblies failed to disclose any mechanical malfunction or component failure. The investigation focused on the pilot's toxicological status.

Toxicological Results

The toxicological examinations detected Benzoylecgonine in both the blood and liver specimens. Benzoylecgonine is an inactive metabolite of cocaine. Additionally, 0.073 ug/ml and 0.327 ug/ml of Chlorpheniramine were detected in the blood and liver specimens, respectively. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine commonly used in over-the-counter cold and allergy preparations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Sept 1999 North American T-6-SNJ-5 accident near Nashville, TN?

Eyewitnesses reported an airplane at 1000-800 ft, entering a nose-low attitude and rolling inverted before disappearing. The aircraft struck a tree. Investigation found no mechanical failure, but toxicology detected cocaine metabolite and antihistamine.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Sept 1999 involved a North American T-6-SNJ-5, registration N23ZH, at Nashville, TN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in a stall and the loss of control. A factor was pilot impairment due to the use of drugs.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19688. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.