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NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

February 1, 1990 · Piper PA-28-181 · N83253

Fairfield, CT

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 1, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Fairfield, CT
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N83253
Operator
Three Wing Flying Service
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC90FA063

PRIOR TO DEPARTING BRADLEY, N83253 WAS CLEARED BY BRADLEY GROUND CONTROL TO TAXI TO RUNWAY 24 FOR AN INTERSECTION DEPARTURE. THE PILOT STARTED TO TAXI TO RUNWAY 06 WHEN GROUND CONTROL ADVISED THAT HE WAS TO TAXI TO RUNWAY 24. BRADLEY TOWER CLEARED N83253 TO TAKEOFF AND REQUESTED THE DIRECTION OF FLIGHT. THE PILOT RESPONDED, 'STRAIGHT OUT'. AFTER DEPARTURE N83253 WAS OBSERVED MAKING A RIGHT TURN TO ABOUT 305 DEGREES. AFTER FLYING ABOUT EIGHT MILES, THE AIRPLANE CRASHED INTO A WOODED RESIDENTIAL AREA WHICH WAS LOCATED ABOUT 2500 FEET FROM THE PILOT'S HOME. THE PILOT'S BLOOD ETHYNOL LEVEL WAS 220 MG/DL.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE INTOXICATED PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN/MAINTAIN A SAFE ALTITUDE TO PROVIDE CLEARANCE FROM THE TREE.

Full Narrative

PRIOR TO DEPARTING BRADLEY, N83253 WAS CLEARED BY BRADLEY GROUND CONTROL TO TAXI TO RUNWAY 24 FOR AN INTERSECTION DEPARTURE. THE PILOT STARTED TO TAXI TO RUNWAY 06 WHEN GROUND CONTROL ADVISED THAT HE WAS TO TAXI TO RUNWAY 24. BRADLEY TOWER CLEARED N83253 TO TAKEOFF AND REQUESTED THE DIRECTION OF FLIGHT. THE PILOT RESPONDED, 'STRAIGHT OUT'. AFTER DEPARTURE N83253 WAS OBSERVED MAKING A RIGHT TURN TO ABOUT 305 DEGREES. AFTER FLYING ABOUT EIGHT MILES, THE AIRPLANE CRASHED INTO A WOODED RESIDENTIAL AREA WHICH WAS LOCATED ABOUT 2500 FEET FROM THE PILOT'S HOME. THE PILOT'S BLOOD ETHYNOL LEVEL WAS 220 MG/DL.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:02 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN83253
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorThree Wing Flying Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 8 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 34 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data