N564PU

On April 11, 2024, about 2021 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161 airplane, N564PU, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Montmorenci, Indiana. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to ADS-B data, the airplane departed the Purdue University Airport (LAF), Lafayette, Indiana, about 1940, for a local night flight. The airplane departed runway 28, conducted four traffic pattern landings, and then continued northwest climbing to about 4,000 ft mean sea level. About 10 miles from LAF, ADS-B data showed the airplane made numerous turns before data ended about 2021. The airplane was located the next day by local law enforcement about 1400.

The wreckage was located in an agricultural field and distributed on a magnetic heading of about 350°. The initial impact point was located about 70 ft from the main wreckage. The impact point contained the two-bladed propeller, propeller hub, and several separated sections of the lower fuselage. Fragmented sections of the left wing, engine components, and interior were found in the debris between the impact point and the main wreckage. Both wing leading edges were crushed aft to mid chord line. The forward fuselage was crushed aft to mid-cabin. The airplane damage was consistent with a high-angle and high-energy impact with terrain.

Postaccident examination did not identify any preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

An autopsy of the pilot was performed by the First Forensic Medical Laboratories, Lafayette, Indiana. The autopsy report listed the cause of death as multiple blunt force trauma and the manner of death as suicide.

The FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory performed toxicology testing on specimens from the pilot. The pilot’s postmortem toxicology testing detected two metabolites of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC): the psychoactive metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC in urine, and the non-psychoactive metabolite carboxy-delta-9-THC in cavity blood and urine. Caffeine and cotinine were detected in cavity blood by screening without secondary confirmation testing.

11-hydroxy-THC is a psychoactive metabolite of delta-9-THC. Carboxy-delta-9-THC is a non-psychoactive metabolite of delta-9-THC. Delta-9-THC (which was not detected in this case) is the primary psychoactive chemical in cannabis, including marijuana and hashish. Delta-9-THC may be smoked, vaped, or ingested recreationally by users seeking mind-altering effects. It may also be used medicinally to treat symptoms including illness-associated nausea and appetite loss. Psychoactive effects of delta-9-THC vary depending on the user, dose, and route of administration. It may impair motor coordination, reaction time, decision making, problem solving, and vigilance.

Caffeine is a stimulant that is commonly ingested, including in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate, and is also an ingredient in certain anti-drowsiness medications and headache medications, as well as some illicit stimulant drugs. Cotinine is found in tobacco and is a metabolite of nicotine. Neither caffeine nor cotinine is generally considered impairing.

The pilot left behind two notes. One of the notes was to a family member and the second was a general note, both of which suggested that the pilot was going to commit suicide.