Pilots and Medications

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Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 01:30 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Medication use, both prescription and over-the-counter, is a significant aviation safety concern, with accident data showing many pilots test positive for substances that can cause impairment, often unreported to the FAA.
Pilots are legally obligated under FAR 61.53 to self-assess for any "medical deficiency" – including effects from medications or underlying conditions – and must not fly if unfit, regardless of medical certificate status.
To mitigate risks, pilots should consult their AME or personal physician about all medications, read OTC labels thoroughly, and utilize FAA resources like the "Do Not Fly" list and the "I'M SAFE" checklist before every flight to ensure fitness.

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The date was July 15, 2008. The private pilot had almost 1000 hours total time, and 44 in the TBM 700 accident aircraft. The airplane was landing at Cobb County International Airport-McCollum Field on Runway 9, elevation 1078 feet msl and more than 6300 feet long. It was on final approach to the runway in daytime visual conditions reported as 5500 feet broken with 10 miles visibility. The wind was from 120 degrees at six knots.

According to the NTSB, ATC instructed the pilot to perform one “S” turn, then another three miles from the runway, for spacing. During the second maneuver, ATC advised the pilot he could turn onto his final approach. In response, the pilot banked the airplane sharply to the left. Witnesses stated “the airplane seemed to do a wing over onto its back and go straight down.” The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. The solo instrument-rated private pilot (male, 66) was fatally injured.