Alcohol-Impaired Pilot Killed in Post-Takeoff Crash (N241FW)

Incident Overview and Witness Accounts A part-time employee of the aircraft owner was ferrying the plane for maintenance when the accident occurred. Witnesses who observed the pilot before takeoff reported that his speech was slurred and that he appeared angry because a tug would not start. One witness described him as “very mad” and noted that his face was “flushed red.” ## Flight Path and Impact The aircraft was observed taking off in a high nose-up attitude and climbing about 500 to 1,000 feet before turning southwest and leveling. It then turned back toward the airport and crashed and burned approximately 1-1/2 miles south-southwest of the airport while on a northeast heading. Impact occurred during a descent in a slightly left-wing-low attitude. The wreckage was scattered over an area approximately 600 feet long and 45 feet wide at its widest point. ## Investigation Findings Witnesses stated that the engines were operating normally at the time of the crash, and no preimpact mechanical problem was found. A toxicology check of the pilot’s liver tissue fluid showed an alcohol level of 2.26 per mille. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.