On June 19, 1992, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N8736V) operated by Lucien A. Fradette was involved in an aviation accident near Bedford, NH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT OF THE PILOT AS THE RESULT OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION, RESULTING IN HIS FAILURE OR INABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A passenger reported that the aircraft was flying low over an area where the pilot's friends lived, performing descents and pull-ups. During a steep bank and descent, the aircraft struck trees. The pilot's toxicology showed a blood alcohol level of 400 mg/dL, which a consulting physician stated would likely cause coma.
Incident Details
According to a passenger statement, the flight involved low-level flying over a residential area where the pilot had acquaintances. The aircraft was observed conducting repeated descents and pull-up maneuvers. During one such sequence, the aircraft entered a steep bank and descent. The passenger anticipated a pull-up recovery, but the descent continued until the aircraft struck trees.
Toxicology Findings
Post-incident toxicology analysis of the pilot revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 400 mg/dL. A consulting physician reviewed the result and noted that a sudden increase to that level in an individual unaccustomed to such concentrations would produce a comatose state.