N54750

Substantial
Minor

PIPER PA-18-150S/N: 18-7609053

Accident Details

Date
Friday, October 9, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN10CA013
Location
Bingham, NE
Event ID
20091015X24846
Coordinates
42.005554, -101.768058
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's impairment due to alcohol consumption and failure to maintain aircraft control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-7609053
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA-18-150PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HEARTLAND AVIATION INC
Address
5641 SARPY RD
City
ALLIANCE
State / Zip Code
NE 69301-6052
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he fueled the airplane and departed the Grant County Airport (1V2), Hyannis, Nebraska for a local flight. In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) submitted by the pilot, he stated he has no memory of the actual crash and that he had fallen asleep, behind the controls. Photographs of the scene and information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector indicated the airplane impacted the terrain in a relatively level attitude. Additionally, a witness reported that he saw the airplane flying low, just before impact. An examination of the airplane did not reveal any pre-impact abnormalities. An alcohol test was conducted on the pilot, by local law enforcement personnel approximately seven hours after the accident, and revealed a blood alcohol level of 0.078. In his statement to law enforcement personnel, the pilot admitted that drank some Schnapps prior to his departure. Additionally, the pilot did not have a current FAA medical certificate.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA013