Crash of a Cessna 404 Titan near Fort Lauderdale: 1 killed

Date & Time: Sep 30, 1979 at 1945 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N88696
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
404-0228
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1927
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a drug smuggling flight in Florida. While flying by night at low height in the region of Fort Lauderdale, the twin engine airplane struck an electric tower, lost height and crashed in a field. The captain was not apprehended while the copilot was killed in the accident.
Probable cause:
Collision with electric tower after the crew failed to see and avoid objects or obstructions. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Aircraft stolen,
- Unwarranted low flying,
- Aircraft was hauling marijuana,
- Cocaine found in copilot's blood.
Final Report: