On September 30, 1979, a Cessna 404 Titan (registration N88696) operated by Ambergate was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Lauderdale, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with electric tower after the crew failed to see and avoid objects or obstructions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During a nighttime low-altitude drug smuggling flight near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a twin-engine airplane struck an electric tower and crashed. The copilot died; the captain was not apprehended. The probable cause was failure to see and avoid obstacles.
Accident Narrative
On a night in Florida, a twin-engine airplane was completing a drug smuggling flight. While flying at low altitude in the region of Fort Lauderdale, the aircraft struck an electric tower. The impact caused the airplane to lose height and crash in a field. The captain was not apprehended, while the copilot was killed in the accident.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a collision with an electric tower after the crew failed to see and avoid objects or obstructions. Contributing factors reported in the investigation included: the aircraft was stolen, unwarranted low flying, the aircraft was hauling marijuana, and cocaine was found in the copilot's blood.