Alcohol-Impaired Pilot Involved in Nighttime Crash in Hilly Terrain (N6146W)

Incident Overview and Discovery of the Wreckage The aircraft crashed into a wooded area on hilly terrain and was later located at 1930 CDT on 7/15/90 by a helicopter search crew. The source does not identify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact location. ## Observations Before the Flight Camping companions reported seeing the pilot and two passengers awake and drinking beer between 0200 and 0300 CDT. Another pilot reported that the group was at the airport preparing for a flight at about 0630 CDT. ## Crash Evidence and Toxicology Evidence indicated that the aircraft had entered the trees while descending in a near 90-degree bank. No fuel was found in the tanks, although the aircraft was extensively damaged during impact. The investigation did not verify any preimpact part failure or malfunction. Toxicology tests of the pilot's blood, vitreous fluid, and urine showed alcohol levels of 0.068%, 0.1%, and 0.13%, respectively, or 68, 100, and 130 mg/dL.