Randy Rhoads: The NTSB Report

Aviation Investigation Final Report 

Location: LEESBURG, Florida 

Date & Time: March 19, 1982, 10:00

Aircraft: BEECH F35

Defining Event: 

 Local Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal Accident 

Number: MIA82FA078

Registration: N567LT

Aircraft Damage: Destroyed 

Injuries: 3 Fatal 

Analysis 

THE PILOT, WHO WAS A ROCK GROUP DRIVER, TOOK AN AIRCRAFT FROM THE HANGAR WITHOUT PERMISSION TO JOY RIDE MEMBERS OF THE GROUP. DURING THE 2ND FLIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT WING HIT THE BUS DURING ONE OF SEVERAL LOW PASSES OVER THE AREA. THE AIRCRAFT THEN HIT A TREE AND A RESIDENCE. A POST CRASH FIRE OCCURRED. THE PILOT'S LAST MEDICAL CERTIFICATE WAS DATED 11/16/79. 

Probable Cause and Findings 

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: 

Findings 

Occurrence #1: IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH OBJECT 

Phase of Operation: MANEUVERING 

Findings 

1. STOLEN AIRCRAFT/UNAUTHORIZED USE - PERFORMED - PILOT IN COMMAND 

2. (C) JUDGMENT - POOR - PILOT IN COMMAND 

3. (C) BUZZING - PERFORMED - PILOT IN COMMAND 

4. (C) CLEARANCE - MISJUDGED - PILOT IN COMMAND 

5. (F) OBJECT - VEHICLE 

6. (F) OBJECT - TREE(S) 

7. (F) OBJECT - RESIDENCE 

Occurrence #2: IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN/WATER 

Phase of Operation: MANEUVERING