Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW00LA215

LUBBOCK, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N3996Y

Cessna 210D

Analysis

The airplane departed from runway 17 and remained in the pattern. Subsequently, during the final approach leg, the airplane impacted the ground and came to rest upright short of the runway. The pilot provided a blood specimen, and results of the test revealed that the pilots' blood alcohol content was .285 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.

Factual Information

On July 20, 2000, at 0030 central daylight time, a Cessna 210D airplane, N3996Y, was substantially damaged during a landing overshoot at the Town and Country Airpark Airport, near Lubbock, Texas. The commercial pilot, who was the registered owner and operator of the airplane, and his passenger sustained minor injuries. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight, for which a flight plan was not filed. The local flight originated from the Town and Country Airpark Airport approximately 0025. According to local law enforcement officials who responded to the accident site, the pilot stated that he departed from runway 17 and remained in the traffic pattern. The pilot initially stated that during the final approach leg the airplane contacted a power wire and, subsequently, impacted the ground short of the runway. An FAA inspector and local law enforcement officials examined the accident site and reported that the airplane's left wing spar was damaged, the nosegear collapsed, and the propeller separated from the engine. They found no evidence of a downed power line and, furthermore, the local power company reported no interruption of power service in the area of the accident. The law enforcement officials reported that the pilot stated that he had consumed approximately 5 mixed drinks that evening. Witnesses added that the pilot and passenger appeared intoxicated and "smelled" of alcohol. The pilot provided a blood specimen to the University Medical Center, Lubbock, Texas, and results of the test revealed that the pilot's blood alcohol content was .285 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of alcohol. On two occasions an NTSB Form 6120.1/2 (Pilot/ Operator Aircraft Accident Report) was mailed to the pilot. The form was not returned to the NTSB.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper aircraft handling as a result of his alcohol impairment.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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