On January 27, 2004, a Cessna 150G (registration N2981J) was involved in an aviation accident near High Falls, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's impairment due to alcohol which resulted in his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, inadvertent stall, and subsequent in-flight collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses reported a low-flying airplane circling homes, with the pilot waving. The aircraft entered a steep turn and descended nose-first into trees. Toxicology found ethanol in the pilot's blood.
Witness Accounts
Multiple local residents observed a small airplane circling at a low altitude over several homes. According to witnesses, the pilot was waving his hand out of the window. The airplane was then seen in a steep turn, during which it descended nose-down into the trees.
Prior Activity
The pilot had been buzzing the immediate vicinity for at least 30 minutes before the accident. Additionally, numerous 911 calls were received reporting an unidentified aircraft flying approximately 30 feet above Interstate I-75 near High Falls, Georgia.
Post-Accident Examination
During examination of the wreckage, investigators found one unopened beer can near the site.
Toxicology Results
Toxicology testing detected ethanol in the pilot's blood at a level of 131 mg/dL (0.131%) and in the vitreous fluid at 135 mg/dL.