N60CF

On December 18, 2004 at 10:15 PM, N60CF experienced a crash involving Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601), operated by Private American, with the event recorded near Wheeling-Ohio County West Virginia.

The flight was categorized as illegal (smuggling) and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

1 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 1 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 1, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 0, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. The pilot attempted a night landing on a taxiway in front of the control tower, which was closed at the time. The airplane overran the end of the taxiway, rolled down an embankment and struck trees. The pilot, whose identity was not confirmed, was believed to have incurred minor injuries. He subsequently paid a passerby to take him to a local hotel, and after a night's rest, he left the area. Ownership of the airplane could not be determined due to a recent sale. Approximately 250 kilos of cocaine were found onboard the airplane. Further investigation was being conducted by federal authorities and local law enforcement.

Aircraft reference details include registration N60CF, MSN 61-0415-149, year of manufacture 1977.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 40.0640°, -80.7209°.