Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172N near Fresno, CA — 2012-02-06

Final reportWPR12LA093
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Date
2012-02-06
Location
Fresno, CA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172N
Registration
N7582D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

The non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to performance-impairing drugs.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to performance-impairing drugs.

NTSB narrative

A witness reported that he observed the airplane flying about the height of nearby power lines and that the engine was sputtering. The airplane then banked right and impacted the power lines before falling to the ground. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The non-certificated pilot was flying the airplane, which had been reported stolen. The pilot’s toxicology results indicated that methamphetamine and amphetamines were detected in the pilot’s blood and liver specimens. (Local authorities also reported finding a plastic bag containing “crystal meth” in the accident airplane.) Both detected drug quantities were above therapeutic levels and likely contributed to the pilot’s performance and failure to maintain sufficient clearance from the power lines.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen not to operate the stolen aircraft under the influence of drugs.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 12 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents12

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