On June 2, 1992, a Cessna 177B (registration N13860) operated by Lesuer Deloss was involved in an aviation accident near Almont, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING TAKEOFF WHILE PHYSICALLY IMPAIRED BY ALCOHOL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot at a private airstrip offered a short airplane ride to a passerby. About 20 minutes later, the aircraft was found wrecked in a tree line near the sod strip. Examination revealed no mechanical defects, but the pilot's blood ethanol level was 194 mg/dL.
Incident Details
A pilot at a private airstrip was overheard offering a passerby a short airplane ride. The two individuals were last seen walking toward the aircraft. A witness later reported hearing an airplane engine revving as if preparing for takeoff.
Approximately 20 minutes after the witness heard the engine, the wreckage of the aircraft was discovered in a tree line near the north end of the 2,500-foot sod strip.
Investigation Findings
Investigators examined the wreckage and found no mechanical defects in the airframe or the powerplant. The aircraft appeared to have been in good working condition.
A toxicological test on the pilot revealed a blood ethanol level of 194 mg/dL, indicating significant alcohol consumption. The investigation did not determine a specific cause for the accident.