ATL95FA023

A relative of the student pilot stated that he had been at her home until 2342 on the evening of the accident. She stated that he had been drinking before arrival at her home and had consumed one beer while there. When he left, he stated that he was going to his home. Witnesses about one mile from the airport observed the aircraft impact trees while at a high rate of speed and in an estimated 15 degree descent. The wreckage path extended about 405 feet from the trees into an open field. The witnesses estimated the weather was overcast with a ceiling of about 500 feet and reduced visibility due to fog. Toxicology tests showed the pilot had ethanol levels of 223 mg/dl (0.22%) in his blood, 249 mg/dl (0.25%) in his urine, and 246 mg/dl (0.25%) in his vitreous fluid.

History of flight

On December 4, 1994, at 0045 eastern daylight time, a Beech C23, N9790L, was substantially damaged following a collision with trees and the terrain near Statesboro, Georgia. The student pilot was fatally injured in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Instrument meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the local, personal flight. The flight departed Statesboro at an undetermined time.

A relative of the pilot stated that the pilot had been at her home until 2342 on the evening of December 3, 1994. She stated that he had been drinking heavily prior to his arrival at her home, and consumed one beer at her home prior to leaving. The pilot stated to her that he was going to his home when he left, as he had too much to drink, and was too tired to go to work.

Witnesses stated that the aircraft impacted the trees and terrain at a high rate of speed and a nose down attitude of about 15 degrees. They stated that the aircraft engine sounded normal prior to impact with the trees. They stated that, after the impact, the aircraft burst into flames, and was burning when they arrived on the scene.

Personnel information

The pilot held a student pilot certificate. He held a third class medical certificate with no restrictions or limitations.

The student pilot had accumulated 52 hours of flight time, with 6 hours of night flight.

Additional personnel information may be obtained in this report on page 3 under section titled First Pilot Information.

Aircraft information

The Beech C23 is a four place, low wing, fixed tricycle landing gear airplane.

Additional aircraft information may be obtained in this report on page 2 under section titled Aircraft Information.

Meteorological information

Witnesses stated that the ceilings were approximately 500 feet above ground level at the time of the accident, and the visibility was reduced because of fog.

Additional meteorological information may be obtained in this report on page 3 under section titled Weather Information.

Wreckage and impact information

The wreckage path extended 409 feet, on a heading of approximately 360 degrees, from a wooded area into an open field.

The first evidence of impact were tree limbs broken out of the top of a 40 foot tall oak tree. There were 20 foot tall pine trees, with 10 feet of the top of the trees broken out, located 30 feet and 108 feet in the direction of impact from the first tree strike. Forty four feet, in the direction of impact, from the last broken pine tree, a two foot wide 33 foot long ground scar was located. On the left and right side, at the north end of the ground scar, were two charred areas. There was general disintegration of the aircraft from that point through the wooded area and into the field.(See Wreckage Diagram Attached to This Report For Detail.)

The main wreckage was located in the open field 409 feet from the first tree strike. There was extensive post crash fire damage to the cockpit and cabin area of the fuselage. Continuity of the flight control cables was established into the cockpit area.

Examination of the aircraft engine revealed that there was continuity of the engine drive train. The aircraft propeller showed signs of chordwise scratching, and twisting toward low pitch.

Medical and pathological information

An autopsy of the pilot was performed by Dr. J. Byron Dawson of the State of Georgia Bureau of Investigation Division of Forensic Sciences on December 4, 1994.

A toxicological examination of the pilot was conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration Toxicology and Accident Research Laboratory in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The toxicology report showed 223.000 milliliters per deciliter (0.22%) of ethanol in the blood, 249.000 milliliters per deciliter (0.25%) of ethanol in the urine, 246.000 milliliters per deciliter (0.25%) of ethanol in the vitreous fluid, and 7.000 milliliters per deciliter (.007%) of acetaldehyde in the vitreous fluid. Salicylamide was detected in the urine.

Additional information

The aircraft wreckage was released to Mr. Stephen B. Martin, one of the aircraft owners, on December 5, 1994.