Overview
An aircraft crashed in the Everglades approximately 16 miles southeast of Naples, Florida, during a nighttime illegal drug operation. Surveillance personnel in the area reported visibility less than half a mile due to fog and smoke.
Accident Details
The aircraft impacted the terrain in a slight left wing down, nose low attitude, then bounced and struck a tree before coming to rest about 270 feet from the initial impact point. Investigators found no evidence of a preimpact mechanical problem. Weather conditions approximately three hours earlier at Naples were reported as partly obscured sky, visibility 3 miles, and calm wind.
Pilot Background
In 1978, the pilot was denied a first-class medical certificate due to heart disease detected by an electrocardiogram. He later obtained a third-class medical certificate using a different name, date of birth, and Social Security number, which did not require an electrocardiogram. His last medical certificate, issued under an alias, was dated August 5, 1986.
Medical and Toxicological Findings
An autopsy revealed the pilot had advanced heart disease. The medical examiner believed a massive myocardial infarction or incapacitating cardiac arrhythmia was a distinct possibility, but no direct evidence of either was found. Toxicology tests of vitreous fluid showed cocaine and benzoylecgonine levels of 1490 and 782 ng/ml, respectively. Drug and alcohol tests of kidney and liver specimens were negative.