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Casualties unknown

2004-12-06: Cessna 140 (N3571V) — Spanaway, WA

Spanaway, WA, US

On December 6, 2004, a Cessna 140 (registration N3571V) was involved in an aviation accident near Spanaway, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of distance/altitude during final approach to land which resulted in an undershoot and in flight collision with a fence. A factor was the pilot's alcohol impairment. 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

During final approach, an airplane hit a barbed wire fence near the runway threshold, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. Damage included rudder, vertical stabilizer, and left wing strut. The pilot had a blood alcohol content of 0.08 g/100mL.

Accident Details

During final approach to land, the airplane struck a barbed wire fence located approximately 30 feet from the runway threshold. The impact caused the airplane to nose over, and it came to rest inverted on the runway. The rudder, vertical stabilizer, and left wing strut sustained damage.

Post-Accident Observations

A deputy responding to the accident scene reported detecting an odor of alcohol emanating from the pilot. With the pilot's permission, another deputy obtained a blood sample, which was subsequently submitted for alcohol testing. The test results indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.08 grams per 100 milliliters.

Pilot's Medical History

A review of the pilot's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical file revealed that an application for a medical certificate dated April 18, 2003, had been denied. The denial was due, in part, to alcohol dependence.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041210X01965. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.