FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Tramadol Detected in Pilot Following GPS 6 Approach Accident (N58GH)

Cornelia, GA, US

On November 20, 2002, a Cessna 182Q (registration N58GH) was involved in an aviation accident near Cornelia, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow IFR approach procedures and continue below the minimum descent altitude, which resulted in an inflight collision with trees, and the ground. A factor was the pilot's impairment from a prescription drug. 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

Wreckage found near runway after GPS 6 approach. No mechanical failure found. Toxicology detected Tramadol in pilot's blood; pilot had back surgery and did not report usage to FAA.

Introduction

An aircraft on a GPS 6 approach crashed, with wreckage located a few hundred feet from the runway. Trees near the runway threshold were broken at 15 feet above the runway elevation.

Approach Details

The flight was cleared for the GPS 6 approach. The published minimum descent altitude for this approach was 533 feet above the runway touchdown zone.

Mechanical Examination

Examination of the airframe, engine, vacuum pumps, and instruments revealed no evidence of malfunction or failure.

Toxicology Results

Forensic toxicology testing detected Tramadol in the pilot's blood at a concentration of 0.67 ug/mL, and Tramadol was also present in the urine. Tramadol is a prescription narcotic-like painkiller used for moderate to severe pain. The pilot was taking the drug for pain following back surgery.

Medical and Regulatory Issues

A review of FAA airman medical records found no evidence that the pilot reported the Tramadol usage to the FAA. Federal regulation 14 CFR Part 91.17 states that no person may act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft while using any drug that affects the person's faculties in any way contrary to safety.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Nov 2002 Cessna 182Q accident near Cornelia, GA?

Wreckage found near runway after GPS 6 approach. No mechanical failure found. Toxicology detected Tramadol in pilot's blood; pilot had back surgery and did not report usage to FAA.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Nov 2002 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N58GH, at Cornelia, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to follow IFR approach procedures and continue below the minimum descent altitude, which resulted in an inflight collision with trees, and the ground. A factor was the pilot's impairment from a prescription drug.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021126X05529. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.