# NTSB SEA98LA018: Aero Commander 112, N1054J, Kettle Falls, WA, December 1, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: December 1, 1997, 14:45 local (22:45 UTC) - Place: Kettle Falls, WA - Coordinates: 48.719665, -117.959678 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.7197&lon=-117.9597&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 3 fatal - Status: Completed, report January 28, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 42740 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA98LA018 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42740/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA018 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Factors include the physiological impairment of the pilot's judgement due to alcohol. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - impairment(alcohol), pilot in command (contributing factor) ## Analysis 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. ## Factual narrative 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. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1054J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1054J-2010-07-08), registration cancelled 2010-07-08, S/N 54, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Aero Commander 112 - Registry model: [Aero Commander 112](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-112) (registry code 0144701) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 54 - Airframe hours: 1682 - Engines: Lycoming IO-360-C1D6 200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Donley, Richard W - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 14, 1996, 67 hours before - Departed: 63S, COLVILLE, WA - Destination: KENT, WA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 160 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 36 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: CQV ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19971201035879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19971201035879A), Dec 1, 1997: Gulstm 112, Kettle Falls, WA, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Acft crashed unk unk circ into the columbia river, one person suff fatal inj other POB is missing, marcus, WA. (.4)according to a FAA aviation safety… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.