Accident Details
A private pilot with 70 hours of flight time and no instrument rating departed Wenatchee, Washington, with a passenger for a short scenic flight in a Cessna 172P. The aircraft departed around 1115 local time and flew for approximately 20 minutes based on tachometer and Hobbs meter readings. It then impacted trees on a magnetic heading of approximately 140 degrees while in nearly level flight. After the initial impact, the aircraft continued 170 feet southeast before striking terrain with a 20-degree upslope, coming to rest near a logging road at about 3,500 feet above mean sea level. The accident site was located 8 nautical miles south-southwest of Wenatchee.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at Wenatchee both before and after the accident included calm winds and an overcast ceiling at 2,000 feet above ground level (3,250 feet above mean sea level). Witnesses at the scene immediately after the accident described foggy conditions and poor visibility.
Aircraft and Toxicology
Examination of the aircraft and engine revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction. Toxicological evaluation of pilot samples detected diphenhydramine (0.107 µg/ml in urine, 0.107 µg/g in blood) and doxylamine (0.042 µg/ml in urine, 0.042 µg/g in blood). Diphenhydramine, an over-the-counter antihistamine commonly known as Benadryl, has sedative effects and is used for allergy symptoms. Doxylamine is another sedating antihistamine found in sleep aids like Unisom and in nighttime cold relievers.