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NTSB Report
February 9, 1986 · Piper PA-28-235 · N7071C
Mcgrath, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 9, 1986
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Mcgrath, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-235
Tail Number
N7071C
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC86LA026
THE PILOT HAD BEEN DRINKING FOR AN UNKNOWN PERIOD BEFORE UNDERTAKING THE NIGHT FLIGHT. AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED FLYING IN THE LOCAL AREA IN AN ERRATIC MANNER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT CRASHED ABOUT .6 MI SHORT OF RWY 16. IMPACT OCCURRED AT THE BASE OF A SNOW COVERED, GRAVEL BANK. THE PILOT DID NOT POSSESS A VALID MEDICAL CERTIFICATE. HE HAD BEEN DENIED FLYING PRIVILEGES BY THE REGIONAL FAA FLT SURGEON FOR THE CONDITION OF ALCOHOLISM. A CHECK OF HIS BLOOD SHOWED AN ALCOHOL LEVEL OF 0.240%.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT HAD BEEN DRINKING FOR AN UNKNOWN PERIOD BEFORE UNDERTAKING THE NIGHT FLIGHT. AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED FLYING IN THE LOCAL AREA IN AN ERRATIC MANNER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT CRASHED ABOUT .6 MI SHORT OF RWY 16. IMPACT OCCURRED AT THE BASE OF A SNOW COVERED, GRAVEL BANK. THE PILOT DID NOT POSSESS A VALID MEDICAL CERTIFICATE. HE HAD BEEN DENIED FLYING PRIVILEGES BY THE REGIONAL FAA FLT SURGEON FOR THE CONDITION OF ALCOHOLISM. A CHECK OF HIS BLOOD SHOWED AN ALCOHOL LEVEL OF 0.240%.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:23 AKST
Nearest AirportMCGARTH (0nm N)
Runway16
Runway Length5460 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-235
Tail NumberN7071C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B4B5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 27 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind170° @ 6 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 25 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:22
Weather SourceWFAC