Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s operation of the airplane while intoxicated, resulting in its impact with obstacles while on approach.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Law enforcement officers reported that they responded to the scene of an airplane accident that had taken place in an intersection about 2,500 ft northwest of the airport. Video captured by a vehicle dash camera showed the accident airplane impacted a traffic light before it came to rest in the roadway. As a result, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage, and both occupants received minor injuries. According to a report provided by the law enforcement officers, the pilot showed several signs of alcoholic impairment immediately after the accident. The pilot was unable to complete field sobriety exercises, and two breath samples provided by the pilot returned results of .21 and .17 breath alcohol content. According to the pilot, he did not remember the accident flight but indicated there were no mechanical failures or defects that would have precluded normal operation prior to impact.