On June 15, 1994, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N8392K) operated by Onstott Dusters was involved in an aviation accident near Live Oak, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO REMAIN CLEAR OF POWER LINES. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PILOT'S IMPAIRMENT DUE TO USE OF DRUGS THAT WERE NOT APPROVED FOR USE WHILE FLYING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a cleanup maneuver after the seventh pass over a field, the aircraft flew under one set of power lines and then struck another set.
Incident Overview
A pilot was performing a cleanup maneuver after completing a seventh pass over a field. During the maneuver, the aircraft flew under a set of power lines. Immediately thereafter, it collided with a second set of power lines that were perpendicular to the flight path. The pilot was familiar with the area, and visibility was unrestricted.
Toxicology Findings
A toxicology test of the pilot's blood revealed the presence of: fluoxetine at 0.197 µg/mL, norfluoxetine at 0.087 µg/mL, and methamphetamine at 0.016 µg/mL. Additionally, amphetamine was detected in the blood. A urine test showed: methamphetamine at 1.578 µg/mL, amphetamine at 0.229 µg/mL, and also the presence of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine.