What happened
The accident occurred around 0200 approximately four miles west of Buckeye, Arizona. The aircraft had departed Scottsdale Municipal Airport at about 0045. Witnesses reported that the pilot and a 21-year-old female passenger were drinking with them at a local bar before the flight. Although one witness declined to fly, the other accepted the invitation from the pilot. Another witness observed the departure as abnormal, noting the aircraft nearly collided with parked planes and taxied for 1500 feet on the runway before applying full power for takeoff.
The Cessna 172 (registration N98SW) collided with a utility pole at an altitude of about 36 feet above ground level, less than a mile north of a private dirt airstrip. The wreckage was strewn along a path 152 feet long on a heading of 024 degrees. Both occupants were found with their seatbelts unfastened. A six-pack of beer was discovered near the wreckage, with five cans open.
The investigation
A toxicological examination of blood samples submitted from both the pilot and the passenger revealed significant alcohol presence. The pilot had a blood alcohol level of 0.15 percent, while the passenger tested at 0.07 percent. These levels indicate that both individuals were impaired at the time of the flight.
Findings
The investigation highlighted several critical factors contributing to the accident. The pilot operated the aircraft with a blood alcohol concentration well above the legal limit. The abnormal taxiing and takeoff procedures observed by witnesses suggest poor judgment and lack of control during the departure phase. The presence of open beer cans near the wreckage further corroborates the consumption of alcohol immediately prior to or during the flight.
The 2 fatal injuries sustained by both occupants were consistent with the high-impact collision with the utility pole. The failure to use seatbelts likely exacerbated the severity of the injuries, although the primary cause was the loss of control and subsequent crash.
Safety message
This accident underscores the critical importance of maintaining a safe blood alcohol level below the legal limit before operating an aircraft. Impaired judgment and motor skills significantly increase the risk of accidents, particularly during complex phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. Pilots must ensure they are fit to fly and avoid consuming alcohol in close proximity to flight operations.