FTW95FA106

The passenger reported that, while circling near a friend's house, he heard a 'beeping' sound, and the airplane started 'dropping quick.' A witness stated, 'I heard the engine rev, it looked as though the plane was trying to pull up, but it crashed into the tree and glided into the water and sank very quickly.' An examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical anomalies. Toxicology tests of the pilot showed that his blood contained 0.289 mcg/ml of diazepam (valium) and 0.364 mcg/ml of nordiazepam (metabolite of diazepam). Valium is an antianxiety agent and muscle relaxant, not approved for use while flying. The drug concentration was in the therapeutic range.

History of flight

On February 4, 1995, at 1645 central standard time, a Cessna 150, N6464T, was destroyed following a loss of control while maneuvering near Arnaudville, Louisiana. The private pilot was fatally injured and the passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight.

The passenger stated they flew over his friend's house. During the second circle he heard a "beeping" and the airplane started "dropping quick."

A witness stated the airplane was circling in a "left bank." He further stated the airplane started "losing altitude and went into a spiraling motion, then it looked as though the pilot was able to get out of the spiral, and straighten up." He also stated, "I heard the engine rev, it looked as though the plane was trying to pull up, but it crashed into the tree and glided into the water and sank very quickly."

Personnel information

The pilot's log books could not be located; therefore, flight time flown could not be determined. His last biennial flight review also could not be determined. According to Federal Aviation Administration records, the pilot reported 100 total hours on July 27, 1993, at the time of his class two medical examination.

Aircraft information

A review of the airframe and engine records did not reveal any anomalies or uncorrected maintenance defects.

Wreckage and impact information

A tree had branches broken and a piece of stabilizer skin, 50 to 60 feet above the ground. Both main landing gear were located 60 feet from the tree on a magnetic heading of 100 degrees in the Bayou Teche River. The left wing tip was located on the river bank near the landing gear. The airplane had drifted 80 feet downstream where it was recovered from the river by rescue personnel.

The engine remained partially attached to the firewall by cables, and engine continuity was established. One propeller blade was bent aft approximately 10 to 15 degrees, 12-inches from the tip. The other propeller blade was slightly deformed 2 to 3 degrees aft.

Control continuity was established from the left aileron and flap to the wing root. Continuity was also established from the rudder and elevators forward to the fuselage break. Further control continuity could not be established due to the extent of damage. Examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any mechanical anomalies. See enclosed wreckage diagram for wreckage distribution details.

Medical and pathological information

The autopsy was performed by Emil M. Laga, M.D., New Iberia, Louisiana. Toxicological result was positive for Diazepam (Valium), Nordiazepam (metabolite of Diazepam), and Oxasepam (Serax). According to Dr. Canfield, CAMI, the levels of 0.289 (ug/ml, ug/g) Diazepam and 0.364 (ug/ml, ug/g) Nordiazepam detected in the blood, Nordiazepam and Oxasepam detected in the urine, "may have caused incapacitation in the cockpit."

The manufacturer warns that these medications "may cause drowsiness. Patients should be instructed to observe caution while driving or other tasks requiring alertness."

Additional information

The wreckage was released to the owner's representative.