On March 19, 1987, a Cessna 170B (registration N3439D) was involved in an aviation accident near Dillingham, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A ski-equipped aircraft struck a snowbank while taking off from a frozen lake. The pilot noted wind changes since landing. Post-accident, police observed alcohol odors and slurred speech; a breath test indicated 0.123% BAC. The pilot's last FAA medical was in 1978.
Incident
While taking off from a frozen lake, a ski-equipped aircraft collided with a snowbank, resulting in damage to the aircraft. The pilot stated that he had landed on the lake only a few minutes prior and that the wind conditions had changed for the subsequent takeoff.
Post-Accident Observations
Following the accident, police personnel reported that the pilot had an odor of alcohol on his breath, slurred speech, and difficulty walking. A breath test conducted with an Intoximeter 3000 instrument showed an alcohol level equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.123%.
Pilot Background
The pilot's last Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical examination took place on October 13, 1978. The date of his most recent biennial flight review (BFR) could not be determined.