Accident Sequence
Witnesses observed an aircraft flying at low altitude over the Mississippi River after the pilot and an acquaintance departed on a local flight. According to one witness, the aircraft’s wheels made contact with the water at one point. The aircraft then climbed and began circling a chemical plant near the river, where production lighting was being used to film a documentary at dusk. Subsequently, the aircraft entered a nose-low attitude and crashed in a wooded area on the river bluff.
Emergency Response
Shortly after the accident, medical personnel arrived at the scene and provided assistance to the occupants.
Investigation Findings
During the investigation, no preimpact mechanical problems with the aircraft or its engine were identified. As the occupants were being removed from the accident site, the odor of alcohol was noted. Toxicology tests revealed that the pilot had a blood alcohol level of 0.143% (143 mg/dL), and the passenger had a blood alcohol level of 0.186% (186 mg/dL).