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.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…