What happened
Prior to departure, the Cessna (type not specified in source) was fueled to its capacity of 84 gallons. After being airborne for 4 hours and 10 minutes, the pilot reported that the aircraft began to feel heavy and mushy. Despite repositioning two passengers, the aircraft continued to lose altitude, and the stall light began flashing. The engine started to miss and appeared to have lost power. Seeking a lower elevation, the pilot steered toward a low spot in a bowl and performed a forced landing in an area that appeared flat and soft.
Witnesses observed the aircraft bounce three times during the landing, after which the left wing broke off as the plane spun to a stop. During the investigation, numerous empty beer cans were discovered inside the aircraft; the pilot stated a male passenger had consumed them. The pilot's toxicological report was negative for ethanol but positive for benzodiazepines. The pilot informed medical staff he was taking Paxil for depression.
The investigation
The fuel selector was found positioned on the right main tank. Salvage investigators noted that the right tanks appeared empty, with very little fuel remaining in the separated left wing tanks; no fuel was recovered from the left wing's tanks. Investigators drained 2 gallons of fuel from the right main tank and approximately 3 gallons from the right auxiliary tank.
Upon inspection, the carburetor bowl was found to be dry, and no fuel was present in the line between the engine-driven fuel pump and the carburetor. While both the engine-driven fuel pump and the auxiliary boost pumps were dry at the time of inspection, they both tested satisfactorily. The magnetos were also tested and found to be functioning normally.
Findings
- The pilot's toxicological report was positive for benzodiazepines.
- According to an FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute toxicologist, Paxil is a benzodiazepine and is contraindicated for flying.