Incident Overview
Approximately 2.7 hours into an unauthorized night flight, a student pilot collided with high tension power lines strung diagonally across a major city freeway. The accident occurred about 1.5 miles from the departure airport, where the power lines were approximately 75 feet above the pavement.
Flight History
According to the flying club that had operational control of the airplane, the aircraft was taken without permission by a student pilot who was a former club member. A police report was subsequently filed. Investigation revealed that the student had taken the airplane after attending a party where he met his passenger.
Weather Conditions
At 0315 Pacific Daylight Time, weather at the airport was reported as: 400 feet overcast, visibility 3 miles with fog, and calm wind.
Toxicology Findings
A toxicology test of the pilot's blood, drawn shortly after the accident, showed an alcohol level of 80 mg/dL (0.08%). Witnesses indicated that the pilot had been drinking beer at a party until almost midnight.
Accident Details
The aircraft departed at approximately 0045 PDT for a night flight. After about 2.7 hours, it struck the power lines. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or injuries were provided.