Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's attemted takeoff from a taxiway due to alcoholic impairment. The night light condition was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot had landed to deplane a passenger. He then attempted to take off from a taxiway and collided with a ditch. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.10%.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 21, 1993, at 0200 hours Pacific daylight time, an Ercoupe 415-C, N93321, collided with a ditch during the takeoff roll from the west taxiway at Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Twentynine Palms, California. The pilot was conducting a visual flight rules personal flight to Bullhead City, Arizona. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at Apple Valley Airport, Apple Valley, California, at 0005 hours. The FAA reported the pilot landed to let his passenger, who was intoxicated, out of the plane. The pilot, who was also intoxicated, attempted a takeoff from the west taxiway. The airplane collided with a ditch and collapsed the landing gear, damaging the engine and wings. The Naval hospital reported the pilot had a 0.10% blood alcohol level. Federal regulations state that a 0.04% blood alcohol level is the maximum allowed for flight and that no person may operate an aircraft within 8 hours after drinking any alcoholic beverages. The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that while enroute to Bullhead City he became disoriented and made a precautionary landing at Twentynine Palms MCAS. He then stated that during the takeoff the airplane struck a mound of dirt. -