Incident
An airplane collided with power lines and poles 1.1 miles east of the approach end of runway 27 while on a night visual landing approach. The accident site is in level desert terrain at approximately the same elevation as the airport.
Sequence of Events
Investigators determined that the pilot and passenger had consumed alcoholic beverages during dinner at a local restaurant on the night of the accident. After dinner, they consumed additional alcoholic beverages at a party. The airplane departed from its home airport at an unknown time for a presumed local flight.
An airborne witness, piloting an emergency medical services helicopter based at the airport, was returning from a mission and inbound from the south. He observed the accident airplane's position lights approaching the airport from the west through a pass at about 4,000 feet msl, roughly the same elevation as his helicopter. He attempted to contact the airplane on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) but received no response. As he continued inbound, he monitored the airplane's position and saw it on a wide arcing flight path south of the airport. While beginning a final descent to land, the accident pilot came on CTAF and announced he was making a "teardrop approach" to runway 27 left. The witness noted that the pilot's voice had an unusual quality and that the comment confused him, as there is no such instrument approach to the airport. He then observed the airplane continue a wide, arcing, descending left-hand flight path toward runway 27.
After landing and shutting down the helicopter, the witness looked up and saw the navigation lights of the airplane on final approach. He thought the airplane was very low, then observed a bright flash of arcing electricity as the airplane contacted the power lines.
Investigation Findings
Impact marks and transfers indicated that the aircraft contacted a steel and concrete power pole and associated static and transmission lines with the left wing, center windshield post, and vertical stabilizer. The power lines contacted are the most eastern of four sets of high-tension power lines running perpendicular to the approach end of the runway. The pole and lines were 66 feet above ground level and on the extended runway centerline. The most western set of the three power line sets was marked by red obstruction lights.
The sky was clear, winds were calm, and no moon was visible. The airport's runway and approach lights were functioning. The airport is located on the south side of the city, and for an airplane on final approach, the airport lights would be the only ground reference lights visible.
No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures were identified with the airplane or engine.
Ethanol was found in specimens from the pilot at the following levels: 124 mg/dL in blood, 74 mg/dL in brain, and 214 mg/dL in urine.