Aircraft crash following low-altitude maneuvers

1 fatality • Big Lake, United States of America • Flight

An aircraft crashed into a wooded area after performing aggressive maneuvers, resulting in one fatality and leaving the pilot seriously injured.

What happened

The accident occurred when the aircraft struck trees at an altitude of roughly 40 feet. The initial contact with the vegetation caused the wreckage to break apart, spreading debris across a path measuring approximately 30 feet wide and 140 feet long. Recovered components from the primary impact site included both wing tips as well as sections of the left elevator and stabilizer. Prior to the crash, observers noted the aircraft performing sudden maneuvers and flying at very low altitudes near boats, though no eyewitnesses were present at the moment of impact.

Findings

Investigations into the wreckage revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or technical malfunctions prior to the collision. However, a toxicological analysis of the pilot's blood indicated an alcohol concentration of 2.41‰. The crash resulted in one fatality and left the pilot with serious injuries. The investigation concluded that the accident was driven by pilot impairment due to alcohol, alongside poor judgment regarding clearance, excessive maneuvering, and the performance of dangerous low-altitude flight patterns.

Probable cause

The pilot's impaired state due to alcohol consumption led to poor judgment and excessive maneuvering during low-altitude flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1983-07-30 Grumman G-44 Widgeon accident near Big Lake, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed into a wooded area after performing aggressive maneuvers, resulting in one fatality and leaving the pilot seriously injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 1983-07-30 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 1983-07-30 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?

The pilot's impaired state due to alcohol consumption led to poor judgment and excessive maneuvering during low-altitude flight.

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