Aeronca 65-CA N33865

Summary

On 4 September 2003 at about 11:58 local time, a Aeronca 65-CA registered N33865 was involved in an accident near Polson, Montana, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 September 2003 at 11:58

Classification

Accident

Location

Polson, Montana, United States

Coordinates

47.6667, -114.2167

Aircraft

Aeronca 65-CA

Registration

N33865

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Hot Springs → Polson

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night

NTSB number

SEA03LA185

1 person died.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an object while maneuvering and alcohol impairment. Transmission wires, dark night conditions, and drug impairment were factors.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The aircraft took off in dark night smoky conditions during early morning hours. The purpose of the flight is unknown and the flights destination is unknown. Prior to daylight, the aircraft collided with transmission lines about 40 feet above ground level. Three lines run between towers and the aircraft severed one line, while the remaining two lines showed signs of impact damage. The aircraft came to rest inverted below the lines. Toxicological analysis was positive for high levels of ethanol in blood (0.190%), urine (0.472%), and vitreous (0.239%). Tetrahydrocannabinol (the primary active substance in marihuana) was detected in blood. Oxazepam, a prescription tranquilizer, was detected in blood and urine.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.