It’s a well-known fact too much alcohol can alter a person’s mood, behavior and coordination, not to mention impairing their decision-making abilities. Aviators are not immune to the complications surrounding alcohol as some professional pilots have learned when they were removed from revenue flights after another crewmember or gate agent smelled alcohol on their breath.
NTSB Points to Alcohol-Impaired Pilot as the Cause of Alaska Accident
Key Takeaways:
- A 2019 general aviation accident near Girdwood, Alaska, resulted in the fatal crash of a Piper PA22-150, killing the ATP-rated pilot and three passengers.
- Toxicological testing found the pilot's blood alcohol concentration was 0.252 gm/dl, which is 5.5 times the regulatory limit for pilots, indicating severe impairment.
- Witnesses observed the aircraft performing aggressive maneuvers before striking a ridge, with the NTSB concluding the pilot's extreme intoxication prevented him from recognizing the imminent danger.
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