Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 22-135 near Carey, ID — 2015-07-02

Final reportWPR15FA206
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Date
2015-07-02
Location
Carey, ID, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 22-135
Registration
N8195C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

Undetermined because examination of the airplane wreckage did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot stopped at an intermediate airport during a cross-country personal flight, and added 22 gallons of fuel to the airplane. The family reported the airplane overdue, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an alert notice (ALNOT). The wreckage was located the following day. On site examination by FAA inspectors indicated that the airplane was intact when it hit the ground in a nose low attitude with a rotational component. The toxicology report contained findings for ethanol detected in the lung, heart, and blood. N-propanol was detected in heart, lung, and blood. The report noted putrefaction. The NTSB's medical officer noted that ethanol is the type of alcohol present in beer, wine, and liquor, and can cause impairment at low doses. Generally, the rapid distribution of ethanol throughout the body after ingestion leads to similar levels in different tissues. A small amount of ethanol can be produced in tissues by microbial action post mortem, often in conjunction with other alcohols such as N-propanol, acetone, and methanol. With the information available, it was not possible to determine how much, if any, of the identified ethanol was from ingestion. Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airframe or engine.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to delay departure due to potential impairment from alcohol.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 15 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents15

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