Status:	Final
Date:	01 AUG 1980
Time:	16:47
Type:	Douglas R4D-5 (DC-3)
Operator:	J. Rule
Registration:	N45864
C/n / msn:	9304
First flight:	1943
Crew:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Passengers:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Total:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3
Airplane damage:	Written off
Airplane fate:	Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:	New Smyrna Beach, FL (United States of America)
Phase:	Takeoff (TOF)
Nature:	Ferry/positioning
Departure airport:	New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport, FL (KEVB), United States of America
Destination airport:	Aruba-Reina Beatrix Airport (AUA/TNCA), Aruba

Narrative:
The DC-3 lost directional control on take-off, struck a tree and caught fire. The pilot didn't have a type certificate and had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0,15% and attempted a flight without a co-pilot.

PROBABLE CAUSE:
pilot in command - failed to maintain directional control
pilot in command - failed to abort takeoff
pilot in command - physical impairment
miscellaneous acts,conditions - alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgment
FACTOR:
miscellaneous - unqualified person operated aircraft

Sources:
» NTSB