Status:	Definitief
Datum:	06 OKT 1989
Tijd:	22:05
Type:	Cessna 208 Caravan I
Luchtvaartmaatschappij:	Westchester Air
Registratie:	N208W
Constructienummer:	208-00115
Bouwjaar:	1987
Aantal vlieguren:	980
Motoren:	1 Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114
Bemanning:	slachtoffers: 2 / inzittenden: 2
Passagiers:	slachtoffers: 3 / inzittenden: 3
Totaal:	slachtoffers: 5 / inzittenden: 5
Schade:	Vernield
Gevolgen:	Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Plaats:	Uncertain, TX (Verenigde Staten)
Fase:	Initiële klim (ICL)
Soort vlucht:	Privévlucht
Vliegveld van vertrek:	Uncertain, TX, Verenigde Staten
Vliegveld van aankomst:	Destin Airport, FL (DSI), Verenigde Staten

Beschrijving:
The Caravan I took off at night from a private/unlighted strip with a professional (ATP) pilot and the non-instrument rated owner/pilot at the controls. After takeoff, the aircraft entered a slight left turn. Subsequently, it hit the top of a tall pine tree, about 80 feet (25 m) above ground level and 202 feet (62 m) left of the runway centreline. The aircraft then crashed into other trees after travelling about an additional 450 feet (138 m). It was not determined which pilot was actually flying the plane. Toxicology checks showed the owner had a blood/alcohol level of 0.041% (41 mg/dl) and a urine/alcohol level of 0.012% (12 mg/dl). Toxicology checks of the professional pilot's blood and urine were negative for alcohol.

PROBABLE CAUSE: "Improper planning/decision by the pilot-in-command, and failure of the aircrew to maintain runway alignment and clearance from the high obstructions (trees) beside the runway. Related factors were: weather conditions, dark night, lack of runway edge lights, lack of visual perception by the pilot(s), and trees beside the runway."

Bronnen:
» NTSB Id FTW90FA005