Incident Overview
During cruise flight, the engine of an airplane lost power. The pilot initiated a forced landing on an interstate highway. During the descent, the airplane collided with transmission wires and subsequently came to rest on Interstate 15.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspection of the wreckage revealed that both fuel tanks contained very little fuel. Examination of the engine did not reveal any failures or malfunctions.
Pilot Condition
Shortly after the accident, an officer from the San Bernardino California Sheriff's Department interviewed the pilot. The officer noted a strong odor of alcohol on the pilot's breath and that his eyes appeared very glassy and bloodshot. A toxicological examination of blood taken from the pilot at the accident site revealed a blood alcohol level of .03 percent.