Accident
An aircraft was observed flying near power lines. It then rolled inverted and crashed into a wooded area, where it was destroyed by impact and post-crash fire. The four occupants sustained multiple impact injuries. Toxicology tests later identified alcohol and butalbital in the pilot's system.
Witness Reports
Several witnesses reported that the engine power was intermittent, but no reason for the reported power loss was found. Some witnesses on the ground thought the aircraft struck the power lines, but an airborne witness who saw the accident stated that it did hit the lines. No physical evidence of a power line strike was found.
Toxicology Findings
Toxicology checks of the pilot showed measurable levels of alcohol and butalbital. Two laboratories tested liver tissue and found approximately 0.07% alcohol; a third lab detected 0.05% alcohol in kidney tissue only. The pilot's wife reported that he had used Fiorinal, a prescription drug for headaches. Butalbital is an active ingredient of Fiorinal and is a barbiturate with side effects including drowsiness and loss of alertness. The effects of butalbital are additive with those of alcohol.
Pilot Information
On October 28, 1985, the date of his medical certificate, the pilot reported having 400 hours of flight time.