On July 15, 1990, a Cessna 305A (registration N5301G) operated by Albert B. Morton was involved in an aviation accident near Fruitdale, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's impairment due to alcohol consumption, which led to erratic flight control and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane was observed flying erratically before striking a tree and crashing. Investigation revealed no mechanical issues, but toxicology results showed the pilot had a blood alcohol content of .20 percent.
What happened
The pilot was operating an aircraft while en route to his intended destination. During the flight, observers noted that the airplane was being flown in an erratic manner. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft collided with a tree and crashed.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators examined the airplane to determine if any mechanical failures contributed to the event. The examination failed to disclose any mechanical problems with the aircraft.
Findings
Toxicological examinations were conducted on the pilot. The results indicated that he had a blood alcohol level of .20 percent at the time of the incident. This high level of impairment was identified as a significant factor in the erratic flight behavior and subsequent crash.
Probable cause
The pilot's impairment due to alcohol consumption, which led to erratic flight control and collision with terrain.