On June 16, 2001, a Cessna 172 (registration N7106T) was involved in an aviation accident near Newfane, VT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff. A factor was the pilot's impairment due to a narcotic painkiller and antihistamine. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An airplane departed runway 15, made a 180-degree turn, and impacted terrain. No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were found. Toxicology revealed elevated Hydrocodone and Chlorpheniramine in the pilot's blood.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses reported that the airplane departed from runway 15, executed a 180-degree turn, and subsequently impacted the terrain. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions.
Toxicological Findings
Toxicological testing performed on the pilot detected the presence of Hydrocodone and Chlorpheniramine in the blood. Hydrocodone is a narcotic painkiller used for control of moderate to severe pain. The levels of Hydrocodone detected were approximately five times higher than the level expected from a recent single dose of the medication. Hydrocodone is addictive and known to have adverse effects on performance at therapeutic levels. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine used to treat a variety of allergic reactions, but also known to have adverse effects on performance.
What happened in the 16 Jun 2001 Cessna 172 accident near Newfane, VT?
An airplane departed runway 15, made a 180-degree turn, and impacted terrain. No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were found. Toxicology revealed elevated Hydrocodone and Chlorpheniramine in the pilot's blood.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Jun 2001 involved a Cessna 172, registration N7106T, at Newfane, VT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff. A factor was the pilot's impairment due to a narcotic painkiller and antihistamine.
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