Cessna 172M N61899

Summary

On 13 September 1995 at about 07:30 local time, a Cessna 172M registered N61899 was involved in an accident near Witter, Arkansas, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

13 September 1995 at 07:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Witter, Arkansas, United States

Coordinates

35.9298, -93.6802

Aircraft

Cessna 172M

Registration

N61899

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Hot Springs → Fayettville

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

IMC

Light

Night/Dark

NTSB number

FTW95FA393

3 people died.

failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from high/wooded terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, high terrain, and foggy weather conditions. Also, the pilot's use of Methamphetamine (not approved by the FAA) was a possible factor.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The flight originated during early morning hours, and the airplane was reported missing at 0930; it was found atop a heavily wooded mountain ridge. A ground witness who lived near the accident site reported that there was heavy fog in the vicinity during the early morning hours. Investigation revealed that the airplane had collided with trees. It then descended through the trees for approximately 420 feet until it struck the ground and came to rest inverted. Examination of the airplane and engine revealed no evidence of a malfunction that would have contributed to the accident. Toxicology tests of the pilot's blood showed a low level (0.365 mcg/ml) of Methamphetamine and 25 mg/dl Ethanol. There was evidence that the Ethanol was due to post-mortem production. A test of the pilot's urine showed 0.059 mcg/ml Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid (inactive metabolite of marijuana), but none was detected in his blood. According to an FAA regional flight surgeon, the level of an inactive metabolite in the pilot's urine indicated that he had been under the influence of marijuana sometime in the past. Methamphetamine is a stimulant that is not approved by the FAA for use while operating an aircraft.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.