What happened
The aircraft was involved in a fatal accident during nighttime operations. The flight originated from an airport where two pilots met a passenger at a bar. During this initial gathering, the group consumed beer before proceeding to the airfield. The pilots then flew the aircraft approximately 70 miles on a cross-country trip to another location for dining and further alcohol consumption. For the return journey, the group packed a cardboard box lined with plastic containing unmelted ice and additional beer in the back seat.
During the flight back toward the departure point, the engine stopped operating. The pilots attempted to restart the powerplant, but it quit again shortly thereafter. Unable to maintain altitude, the crew executed a forced landing. The aircraft impacted trees during this descent. There was no fire upon impact because the fuel tanks were completely empty.
The investigation
Investigation of the wreckage and evidence revealed critical details regarding the cause of the accident. Examination of the fuel systems showed that no fuel was found in either tank, confirming total depletion. A box containing beer and ice was recovered from the rear cabin floor, corroborating the passenger's account of carrying alcohol for the return leg.
Toxicology reports provided definitive evidence of impairment. Blood samples taken from the two pilots indicated severe intoxication at the time of the crash. The blood alcohol levels were measured at 0.217% and 0.386%, respectively. These figures are significantly above the legal limit for operating an aircraft.
Findings
The combination of factors leading to the accident was clear. The pilots had engaged in excessive drinking prior to and during the flight. This behavior directly contributed to fuel exhaustion as they failed to monitor fuel quantities appropriately while distracted by their activities. The severe impairment rendered them unable to manage the aircraft's systems or navigate safely.
The outcome of this incident was tragic. The crash resulted in 2 fatal injuries for the pilots. The surviving passenger sustained no injuries but was present during the events leading up to the accident. The presence of alcohol and the lack of fuel were the primary determinants of the loss of the aircraft and the lives of the crew.