On November 10, 1985, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N6854P) was involved in an aviation accident near Buffalo, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to in-flight fatigue and alcohol impairment, which resulted in collision with the terrain during low visibility conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot searching for hunters crashed his aircraft into the ground during blowing snow and low visibility conditions. A blood test later revealed an alcohol level of 0.10 percent.
What happened
The pilot was operating an aircraft in search of hunters when the airplane collided with the terrain. Witnesses at the scene reported that weather conditions were severe, characterized by blowing snow and low overcast clouds. Visibility was restricted to less than one-half mile at the time of the accident.
The investigation
Following the incident, officials collected a blood sample from the pilot approximately four hours and forty-five minutes after the crash occurred. Laboratory analysis of the sample indicated the presence of alcohol in the pilot's system.
Findings
The blood test results showed an alcohol concentration of 0.10 percent. This level was significantly above the legal limit for operating a vehicle or aircraft, suggesting impairment contributed to the loss of control and subsequent impact with the ground during the poor weather conditions.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to in-flight fatigue and alcohol impairment, which resulted in collision with the terrain during low visibility conditions.
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