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Pilot with Elevated Blood Alcohol Levels Involved in Accident After Night Departure from Tomahawk Regional (N2338Z)

Tomahawk, WI, US

On September 5, 1996, a Beech 23 (registration N2338Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Tomahawk, WI. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol which led to his initiation of VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and loss of control. Factors were: the dark night and the weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot with a blood alcohol level of 121 mg/dL departed from Tomahawk Regional at 2330. A witness heard the aircraft impact trees at 2340. No mechanical failures were found; the student pilot certificate had expired.

Accident Overview

On an unspecified date, the pilot departed from Tomahawk Regional Airport at 2330 hours. A witness reported hearing the airplane take off and then flying along the runway. At 2340 hours, the witness heard the airplane impact trees. Dense fog prevented the witness from locating the wreckage immediately.

Investigation Findings

Investigators examined the airframe, powerplant, and flight controls and found no mechanical failures or malfunctions. A toxicological examination of the pilot revealed ethanol levels of 121.000 mg/dL in the blood, 135.000 mg/dL in brain fluid, and 172.000 mg/dL in urine. The pilot's student pilot certificate had expired.

Additional Details

The accident occurred at night. The witness described dense fog in the area, which hindered the search. No other information regarding the aircraft type, registration, or occupant status was provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Sept 1996 Beech 23 accident near Tomahawk, WI?

A pilot with a blood alcohol level of 121 mg/dL departed from Tomahawk Regional at 2330. A witness heard the aircraft impact trees at 2340. No mechanical failures were found; the student pilot certificate had expired.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Sept 1996 Beech 23 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Sept 1996 involved a Beech 23, registration N2338Z, at Tomahawk, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol which led to his initiation of VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and loss of control. Factors were: the dark night and the weather conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06684. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.