Accident Overview
On September 19, 2011, at approximately 0850 Pacific daylight time, a Pitts S-2B airplane (registration N46BT) collided with the ground near Redlands, California. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The airplane was consumed by fire and sustained substantial damage. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Redlands Municipal Airport around 0830.
Witness and Pilot Accounts
Witnesses reported that the pilot was performing aerobatic maneuvers over the airport when the airplane impacted terrain adjacent to an airport perimeter fence. After the impact, the airplane slid into an unoccupied vehicle parked on the shoulder of a city roadway, and a post-crash fire ensued.
The pilot stated that shortly after takeoff, while maneuvering in the local area, the airplane stalled during a turn at approximately 350 feet above the ground. He noted that the airspeed in the turn was slow, between 70 and 80 knots. The pilot attempted to recover from the stall, but the airplane continued to descend and subsequently collided with the terrain. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.
Alcohol Testing and Regulations
First responders at the accident site reported detecting an odor of alcoholic beverage when they contacted the pilot. About one hour after the accident, a blood sample was obtained from the pilot and tested for alcohol content. The results indicated a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04 percent. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge after the accident, the pilot stated that he had consumed alcohol prior to the flight.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, effects of a BAC of 0.04% can include decreased attention, impaired judgment, and increased reaction time. The FAA advises that serious errors committed by pilots increase dramatically at or above 0.04% blood alcohol, although some studies show performance decrements at concentrations as low as 0.025%.
Title 14 CFR Part 91.17, Alcohol or Drugs, states that no person may act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft within 8 hours after consuming any alcoholic beverage, while under the influence of alcohol, or while having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater.