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Aircraft Crash in Wooded Area Involves Alcohol-Impaired Pilot (N1423)

Big Lake, United States of AmericaFlight

On July 30, 1983, a Grumman G-44 Widgeon (registration N1423) operated by Red Dodge was involved in an aviation accident near Big Lake, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In flight collision with terrain/water during maneuvering, involving poor judgment, alcohol impairment, buzzing, excessive maneuver, and misjudged clearance by the pilot in command. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a wooded area after abrupt maneuvers and buzzing boats. The pilot had a blood alcohol level of 2.41‰. The passenger died, and the pilot was seriously injured.

Accident Overview and Wreckage Distribution The aircraft crashed in a level, wooded area. The initial impact with trees occurred approximately 40 feet above ground level. Both wing tips and a portion of the left stabilizer and elevator were found at the bases of the trees that were first impacted. From the first impact point, the wreckage was disintegrated and scattered over an area that was 30 feet wide and 140 feet long. ## Observations and Toxicological Findings No known eyewitnesses were reported. However, a short time before the accident, the aircraft was observed being flown in abrupt maneuvers and buzzing boats. A toxicological exam of the pilot's blood showed an alcohol level of 2.41‰. An exam of the wreckage was made, but no preimpact mechanical malfunction or failures were found. ## Casualties The passenger was killed while the pilot was seriously injured.

Probable cause

In flight collision with terrain/water during maneuvering, involving poor judgment, alcohol impairment, buzzing, excessive maneuver, and misjudged clearance by the pilot in command.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jul 1983 Grumman G-44 Widgeon accident near Big Lake, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed into a wooded area after abrupt maneuvers and buzzing boats. The pilot had a blood alcohol level of 2.41‰. The passenger died, and the pilot was seriously injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Jul 1983 Grumman G-44 Widgeon accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jul 1983 involved a Grumman G-44 Widgeon, registration N1423, operated by Red Dodge, at Big Lake, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

In flight collision with terrain/water during maneuvering, involving poor judgment, alcohol impairment, buzzing, excessive maneuver, and misjudged clearance by the pilot in command.

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