Event Sequence
An aircraft operating a local flight struck a telephone transmission line located on the approach end of Runway 1. Witnesses reported observing the aircraft take off toward the west, execute a right turn, and then disappear from view. Approximately three to five minutes later, they heard the sound of the crash.
Investigation
Examination of the scene revealed tire tracks indicating that the aircraft had taxied under the remaining wire before taking off to the west. The investigation determined that a higher wire, which had been marked with red balls, was removed by the power company the day before the accident. The lower wire that was struck by the aircraft was supposed to have been removed soon after the upper wire.
Toxicology Results
Toxicological studies were performed on the pilot. The Office of the Medical Examiner in Jacksonville, Florida, found a blood alcohol level of 130 mg/dL. The Harris Medical Laboratory in Fort Worth, Texas, reported a blood alcohol level of 286 mg/dL and a urine alcohol level of 289 mg/dL.