Accident Overview
On November 15, 2008, at 2302 central standard time, a Cessna 182Q, registration N759HF, collided with trees during final approach to runway 27 at Brookeridge Air Park (LL22), Downers Grove, Illinois. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was conducted in visual meteorological conditions. The aircraft originated from Lake Lawn Airport (C59), Delavan, Wisconsin. The pilot reported minor injuries, while the passenger was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
Flight History
At 2055, an individual identifying the aircraft as N759HF contacted the Kankakee Automated Flight Service Station, stating the intention to fly from C59 to LL22. The caller indicated the flight would last 15 minutes at an altitude of 1,500 feet. The briefer provided a synopsis of conditions along the route, including an AIRMET for moderate turbulence below 8,000 feet. The pilot mentioned returning to C59 the following morning. Current local weather conditions at LL22 were not provided during the briefing.
A witness reported hearing the impact and arriving at the scene within 2 to 3 minutes. The witness observed the aircraft had struck trees in front of and behind his house but did not hit the structure. Due to a strong fuel odor, the witness did not approach the airplane and saw no one near it.
The pilot walked to his sister's residence on the air park, and she drove him to his home. Sheriff's personnel located the pilot at his residence. The pilot stated that during the approach, he realized he was too low, adjusted the flaps, and attempted to add power, but the airplane contacted trees, flipped over, and came to rest on the runway. The pilot mentioned consuming "two or three drinks" before departure but nothing after the accident.
Pilot Information
The 45-year-old pilot held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. He was issued a third-class medical certificate on July 12, 2004, without limitations. His logbook indicated 262 total flight hours, with 203 hours in the accident aircraft. His last flight review was recorded on August 17, 2004.
Weather Conditions
At 2252, the weather at DuPage County Airport (DPA), located 15 nautical miles northwest of the accident site, reported: wind from 270° at 11 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, overcast ceiling at 5,500 feet, temperature 2°C, dew point -3°C, and altimeter setting 29.96 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft came to rest inverted in an open field east of the approach end of runway 27, oriented on a southeasterly heading. The right wing separated and was found under the fuselage, with a large semi-circular indentation on the leading edge. The left wing remained attached, with damage to the leading edge and wing strut. The left horizontal stabilizer leading edge exhibited a semi-circular indentation. The outboard portion of the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator was crushed. The altimeter in the airplane was set to 30.62 inches of mercury.
Toxicological Findings
Blood and urine samples were collected from the pilot at the hospital approximately 2 hours 15 minutes after the accident. Hospital tests showed a blood serum alcohol level of 0.057% and a urine screen positive for cocaine, benzodiazepines, opiates, and cannabinoids. The pilot was arrested for operating an aircraft under the influence. Later, the pilot stated to authorities that he had consumed "a few shots" and taken a "narco" after the accident. His wife stated he did not drink before going to the hospital.
Further toxicology analysis by the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute detected multiple substances in the pilot's blood and urine, including ethanol (44 mg/dL in blood, 93 mg/dL in urine), alprazolam (0.08 μg/mL in blood), cocaine metabolites (benzoylecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester), hydrocodone (0.11 μg/mL in blood), and tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (marijuana metabolite) in urine only. Other detected substances included citalopram, diphenhydramine, dihydrocodeine, and lidocaine.
Medical and Prescription Items
Sheriff's personnel recovered two prescription bottles from the wreckage. One bottle, labeled Hydrocodone/APAP 10 mg in the pilot's name, contained various pills including escitalopram, hydrocodone/acetaminophen mixtures, ranitidine, diphenhydramine, naproxen, and alprazolam. The second bottle, labeled Alprazolam 2 mg in the pilot's name, contained 29 partial and 69 whole alprazolam tablets. The pilot informed an FAA inspector that he had used cocaine around 1000 on the morning of the accident.
Airport Equipment
The runway at Brookeridge Air Park was equipped with a simplified visual approach slope indicator system (VASI) displaying green, yellow, and red lights. The pilot reported seeing red lights just before adding power.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was not stated in the source.