Accident
On January 11, 2012, about 2245 central standard time, a Cessna 150J airplane, N60676, collided with trees near Denmark, Wisconsin. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated without a flight plan.
The flight originated from Manitowoc Regional Airport (KMTW), Manitowoc, Wisconsin, about 2045, destined for West Bend Municipal Airport (KETB), West Bend, Wisconsin.
Witness Reports
A witness at KMTW reported to police that the pilot had entered a local Experimental Aircraft Association meeting asking if food was available. The witness stated that the accident pilot told him that while on a joy ride, all the interior lighting went out. The pilot had difficulty navigating, saw the beacon at KMTW, and decided to land and remain in the area until daylight.
Another witness at the airport saw the pilot walking to the airport ramp with a 12-pack of beer. The witness recalled the pilot stating he was going to drink a few beers and sleep in his Cessna 150 until daylight. The witness advised the pilot to ask local EAA members for assistance.
Receipts from the airfield show that the pilot fueled the airplane three times between 2009 and 2030. The pilot reported departing shortly after refueling.
A pilot-rated witness reported observing the airplane about 2230, two miles south of the crash site. The airplane maneuvered approximately 500 feet above ground level. The landing light was observed turning on and off during turns. The witness reported the engine sounded normal, with changes in rpm heard.
Accident Site
The accident site was a heavily wooded area in slightly rolling terrain. The airplane was suspended inverted in trees at about 50 feet. An empty 12-pack beer container was found under the airplane, with five unopened beer cans in the nearby area; one beer can was in a beverage holder. Two beer cans were opened and empty.
Pilot Statements and Toxicology
In statements obtained by the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s department at 0243 on January 12, the pilot called to report the crash. During questioning, the pilot admitted to drinking three alcoholic beverages between 1100 and 1500 at his residence the previous day. He then left, drove to KETB, and flew to KMTW. At KMTW, he went to look for a restaurant but did not leave the airport. He fueled the airplane and departed for KETB. The pilot reported not knowing how the accident occurred.
At 0452, the pilot consented to blood alcohol testing. Specimens sent to the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene’s Toxicology Section were positive for alcohol, with a result of 0.138 g/100 mL. On the consent form, the pilot indicated he had not consumed any alcohol since the accident.
A subsequent interview revealed the pilot admitted leaving the airport and purchasing a 12-pack of beer during his stop at KMTW before fueling. He stated his planned route was to fly north over the Fox Valley before proceeding to KETB. He recalled the engine was performing normally. He also stated he often performed left and right turns in a zigzag fashion to see around the wings. He estimated his altitude was between 3,500 and 4,000 feet msl. After the accident, he remained in the inverted airplane and drank several beers before exiting.
The pilot did not provide a completed NTSB Form 6120.1. A signed pilot statement dated January 22, 2012, provided to the pilot’s insurance company, recalled that while maneuvering with a dark horizon, the navigation lights/instrument lights blew out. While looking for a flashlight, the airplane entered a nose-low unusual attitude. The pilot attempted to use his cell phone to illuminate the attitude indicator and recover. He turned the landing and taxi lights on to restore cockpit lighting but was unable to orient himself, and the airplane collided with trees.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed that the light bulb used to illuminate the cockpit instrumentation was burned out.