KETTLE FALLS, WA, USA
N1054J
Aero Commander 112
According to a FAA aviation safety inspector, witnesses observed the airplane flying 'low' over Lake Roosevelt. The witnesses observed the left wing strike the surface of the lake. The airplane then broke apart and sank in about 40 feet of water. The witnesses stated that there was no smoke or fire coming from the airplane at the time of the accident, and that there were no perceived problems with the engine. FAA inspectors found no evidence of bird strikes, nor of mechanical deficiencies prior to impact. Toxicological testing revealed that a high level of ethanol was detected in bodily fluids.
On December 1, 1997, about 1445 Pacific standard time, N1054J, an Aero Commander 112 airplane, operated by the owner/pilot, collided with water while maneuvering and was destroyed near Kettle Falls, Washington. The private pilot and his two passengers were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91. The flight departed from Colville, Washington, about 1430 and was en route to Kent, Washington. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector from Spokane, Washington, witnesses observed the airplane flying "low" over Lake Roosevelt. The lake is formed by the Columbia River near a dam, and is located about 10 miles northwest of the departure airport. The witnesses observed the left wing strike the surface of the lake. The airplane then broke apart and sank in about 40 feet of water. The witnesses stated that there was no smoke or fire coming from the airplane at the time of the accident, and that there were no perceived problems with the engine. FAA inspectors found no evidence of bird strikes, nor mechanical deficiencies prior to impact. The ELT was found to have its switch in the off position. Toxicological testing revealed that ethanol was detected in bodily fluids. An autopsy was performed by Dr. George R. Lindholm at Holy Family Hospital, Spokane, Washington.
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Factors include the physiological impairment of the pilot's judgement due to alcohol.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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