On November 13, 1985, a Piper PA-25-235B (registration N7313Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Holly, CO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft struck power lines at approximately 30 ft AGL during a calibration and practice spraying flight, then crashed and burned. No preimpact mechanical failure was found. Toxicology revealed elevated alcohol levels and a trace of cannabinoid metabolites in urine.
Accident Description
According to the pilot's brother, the pilot was conducting a flight to calibrate the aircraft's spraying equipment and to perform a few practice crop spraying runs. During the flight, while flying at an altitude of approximately 30 feet above ground level, the aircraft struck power lines. Subsequently, it crashed to the ground and was consumed by fire. Investigation found no evidence of preimpact part failure or malfunction.
Toxicology Results
Post-accident toxicology tests were performed on the pilot. The results showed a blood alcohol level of 0.117% and a urine alcohol level of 0.274%. Additionally, a trace of cannabinoid metabolites was detected in the pilot's urine, but no cannabinoids were found in the blood.