On September 10, 2006, a Champion 7EC (registration N9575S) was involved in an aviation accident near Clipper Mills, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain. A contributing factor was the pilot's impairment from ingestion of marijuana. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The wreckage of an airplane was found in mountainous terrain. No anomalies precluding normal operation were found. Toxicology showed THC indicating very recent use, likely impairing the pilot.
Accident Location and Aircraft Condition
The wreckage of the airplane was discovered in mountainous terrain. Investigators examined the airframe and engine and found no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Background and Recent Training
The owner of the airplane had recently received a checkout in the aircraft. However, he was instructed not to take passengers or operate the aircraft in mountainous areas until he had completed training in mountain flying techniques.
Toxicology Results
The toxicology report for the pilot indicated the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active substance in marijuana, and tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (THC-COOH), an inactive metabolite. The levels suggested very recent use, certainly within three hours prior to the crash, and possibly much more recently. The report concluded that the pilot's judgment and/or abilities were likely impaired.