1 fatality

Fatal Single-Engine Aircraft Accident in Morrisville (N67690)

Morrisville, United States of AmericaFlight

On August 19, 1977, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration N67690) operated by James C. McKinney was involved in an aviation accident near Morrisville, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Uncontrolled descent due to pilot incapacitation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot was killed when his aircraft entered an uncontrolled dive and crashed in flames in Morrisville after departing Titusville. The official investigation attributed the accident to pilot incapacitation and alcohol impairment.

Accident Overview and Outcome A pilot departed Titusville on a local flight when he lost control of the airplane. The aircraft entered a dive and crashed in flames in Morrisville. The impact forces and the post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft. The pilot, who was the sole person on board, was killed in the accident. The source does not identify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date of the event. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause was an uncontrolled descent due to pilot incapacitation. The report also identified several contributing factors. These included alcoholic impairment of the pilot's efficiency and judgment, an alcohol level of 1,49‰, and the fact that the aircraft struck catenary lines of the Amtrak railroad.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Aug 1977 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Morrisville, United States of America?

A pilot was killed when his aircraft entered an uncontrolled dive and crashed in flames in Morrisville after departing Titusville. The official investigation attributed the accident to pilot incapacitation and alcohol impairment.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Aug 1977 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Aug 1977 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration N67690, operated by James C. McKinney, at Morrisville, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Uncontrolled descent due to pilot incapacitation.