On July 8, 1996, a Grumman American AA-5B (registration N28452) was involved in an aviation accident near ST Maries, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to a drug (marijuana), and his failure to see-and-avoid power lines. The pilot's intentional low altitude flight was a related factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses report aircraft N28452 flying at tree height struck a power line over the St. Joe River, continued about a mile, hit a second line, and crashed. Pilot's toxicology showed marijuana metabolites.
Incident Details
About three days before the accident, the local sheriff's office received complaints of low-flying concerning the aircraft with registration N28452. On the day of the accident, multiple witnesses observed the aircraft flying at an altitude described as "tree height," approximately 60 feet above the surface, along the St. Joe River. According to witness accounts, the aircraft struck a power line that crossed the river, knocking the line into the water. Immediately following the wire strike, flames erupted from the aircraft. The aircraft continued flying for about one mile before striking a second power line and subsequently crashing.
Toxicology Findings
A toxicology test performed on the pilot's blood revealed the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (marijuana) at a concentration of 0.028 mcg/ml, and tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (a metabolite of marijuana) at 0.093 mcg/ml. Additionally, a urine test showed 0.869 mcg/ml of tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid.