On October 2, 1994, a Piper PA-18-135 (registration N99305) operated by Frank M. Muia was involved in an aviation accident near Martinsville, IN. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPAIRMENT OF JUDGMENT AND PERFORMANCE DUE TO ALCOHOL, IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION, AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE ABOVE THE GROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Following an abrupt climb and left roll after takeoff, the airplane descended and crashed. Toxicology tests found ethanol in the pilot's blood and urine.
Accident Sequence
The pilot departed on runway 27 with a wind from 060 degrees at 14 knots. Witnesses observed the airplane climbing abruptly after liftoff to an altitude of approximately 200 to 300 feet. The airplane then entered a roll to the left. One witness described the maneuver as a half-roll, while another witness reported that it "looked almost as if the pilot was doing an air stunt." Subsequently, the airplane entered a descent and crashed.
Toxicology Results
No preimpact mechanical failure was identified. Toxicology examinations were conducted by the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) and the State of Indiana Pathology Laboratory. CAMI reported an ethanol concentration of 79.0 mg/dL (0.079%) in the pilot's blood and 128.0 mg/dL (0.128%) in the pilot's urine. The Indiana pathology laboratory reported an ethanol concentration of 71.0 mg/dL (0.071%) in the pilot's blood.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Oct 1994 Piper PA-18-135 accident near Martinsville, IN?
Following an abrupt climb and left roll after takeoff, the airplane descended and crashed. Toxicology tests found ethanol in the pilot's blood and urine.
Were there any fatalities in the 2 Oct 1994 Piper PA-18-135 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Oct 1994 involved a Piper PA-18-135, registration N99305, operated by Frank M. Muia, at Martinsville, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S IMPAIRMENT OF JUDGMENT AND PERFORMANCE DUE TO ALCOHOL, IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION, AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE ABOVE THE GROUND.
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