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NTSB Report

December 9, 1997 · Cessna 172M · N12219

New Salem, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 9, 1997
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
New Salem, MA
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N12219
Operator
Perry D Safran
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC98LA039

While over a reservoir, the passenger felt the airplane was low and asked the pilot, 'why don't you pull up a little bit?' The pilot stated the view is better down low and sarcastically asked the passenger, 'what are you scared?' The airplane's wheels then contacted the water and the airplane flipped over. The passenger indicated several times that there were no abnormalities with the airplane's engine, and it was running right up to impact. Additionally, passenger stated the pilot was adjusting a rotating wheel in the airplane's center console just prior to the impact and the water over the reservoir appeared very smooth, like a sheet of ice. Examination of the airframe did not disclose any abnormalities. Toxicological tests detected levels of cocaine and drugs used for control of cold/allergy symptoms with illness effects of distraction, sensory disturbance or impaired judgement.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance above the water due to his impairment by drugs. A factor in this accident was the glassy water condition.

Full Narrative

On December 9, 1997, about 1430 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172M, N12219, was destroyed when it impacted a reservoir while maneuvering near New Salem, Massachusetts. The certificated private pilot was fatally injured, and one passenger was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed the Skylark Airpark Airport, Warehouse Point, Connecticut, at 1200. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a telephone interview, the passenger stated that the pilot performed several touch go landings at a nearby airport and then proceeded to the Quabin Reservoir. While over the reservoir, the passenger felt the airplane seemed low and asked the pilot, "why don't you pull up a little bit?" The pilot stated that the view is better down low and sarcastically asked the passenger, "what, are you scared?" The airplane's wheels then contacted the water and the airplane flipped over. The passenger stated the pilot was adjusting a rotating wheel in the airplane's center console just prior to the impact. The passenger indicated several times that there were no abnormalities with the airplane's engine, and it was running right up to impact. Additionally, the passenger reported the water over the reservoir appeared very smooth, like a sheet of ice. On December 10, 1997, the airplane was recovered from the reservoir; however, the engine was separated and was not recovered until August 26, 1998. Examination of the airframe by an FAA Inspector did not disclose any evidence of mechanical malfunctions. During the examination, flight control continuity was confirmed for all primary flight controls. The toxicological testing report from the FAA Toxicology Accident Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was positive for drugs and negative for alcohol for the pilot. The report stated: >>>>Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid (Marihuana was detected in Blood. 0.012>>>>(ug/ml) Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid (Marihuana) was detected in Urine. 0.043>>>>(ug/ml) Benzoylecgonine detected in Blood. 4.796>>>>(ug/ml) Benzoylecgonine detected in Urine. 0.040>>>>(ug/ml) Cocaine detected in Urine. 0.013>>>>(ug/ml) Chlorpheniramine detected in Blood. >>>>Chlorpheniramine was detected in Urine. >>>>Diphenhydramine was detected in Urine. >>>>Ephedrine was detected in Blood. >>>>Pseudoephedrine was detected in Blood. >>>>Ephedrine was detected in Urine. >>>>Pseudoephedrine was detected in Urine. Part of Federal Aviation Regulation, Part 91.17 "Alcohol or drugs" stated: "(a) No person may act or attempt to act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft- 1. Within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage; 2. While under the influence of alcohol; 3. While using any drug that affects the person's faculties in any way contrary to safety; or 4. While having .04 percent by weight or more alcohol in the blood."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN12219
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPerry D Safran
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 3 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 23 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data