What happened
Five witnesses observed the flight of a single-engine tailwheel airplane as it approached and attempted to land on a highway that contained active vehicle traffic. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a set of electrical wires that crossed over the roadway. Following the impact with the wires, the airplane continued forward and impacted the surface of the highway.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the engine and airframe was conducted to determine the condition of the aircraft prior to the accident. This inspection revealed no evidence of a mechanical problem or pre-impact failure that would have contributed to the incident.
Additionally, toxicological testing was performed on the pilot. The results detected diphenhydramine in the pilot's blood at a concentration of .029ug/ml. Diphenhydramine is an over-the-counter antihistamine known for its sedative effects.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to this accident involved the decision to attempt a landing on a highway with traffic and the subsequent impact with overhead wires. The presence of diphenhydramine in the pilot's system suggests potential impairment due to the drug's sedative properties, although no mechanical failure was found.