ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 34940
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| Date: | Tuesday 13 August 1996 |
| Time: | 18:22 LT |
| Type: |  Cessna TR182 Turbo Skylane RG |
| Owner/operator: | Richard C. Harriss |
| Registration: | N6316T |
| MSN: | R18201974 |
| Engine model: | Lycoming O-540-L3C5D |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Port Isabel, TX -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.) |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | Mcallen, TX (KMFE) |
| (T31) | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The airplane was observed to pass from north to south under the Queen Isabel Causeway Bridge, which spanned between Port Isabel & South Padre Island, TX. After a 180 degree turn, it approached the bridge from south for another pass. However, during this pass, it struck a concrete bridge pylon & column, then descended uncontrolled into the water. No preimpact mechanical problem was found. The airplane's last annual inspection was dated 7/27/95. Neither of the pilot-rated occupants held a valid FAA medical certificate. Toxicology testing of the right seat occupant's blood revealed 0.006 mcg/ml tetrahydrocannabinol (active substance in marijuana), 0.006 mcg/ml tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (inactive metabolite of the active substance in marijuana), 0.087 mcg/ml cocaine, 1.809 mcg/ml benzoylecgonine (inactive metabolite of cocaine), and 0.095 mcg/ml diphenhydramine (a sedating over-the-counter antihistamine). Toxicology testing of the left seat occupant revealed cocaethylene (a substance formed when cocaine and alcohol are ingested at around the same time) in the liver fluid; 65 mg/dl ethanol in the vitreous fluid; and 143 mg/dl ethanol, 0.133 mcg/ml cocaine, and 0.066 mcg/ml benzoylecgonine in the blood.
Probable Cause: pilot impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol and drugs, and failure of the pilot(s) to maintain obstacle clearance, during an intentional low altitude flight manueuver (low pass under a bridge).
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB FTW96LA344
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 24-Oct-2008 10:30 | ASN archive | Added |
| 08-Apr-2024 19:33 | ASN Update Bot | Updated [Time, Operator, Other fatalities, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Narrative, Category, Accident report] |
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