These October 2009 accident reports are provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, they are intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Piper Super Cub. Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: Bingham, Neb. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: A witness reported that he saw the airplane flying low just before the crash. The airplane hit the ground in a level attitude.
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 reported that he consumed alcohol prior to his departure. Additionally, he did not have a current FAA medical certificate. The pilot stated he had no memory of the actual crash and that he had fallen asleep behind the controls.
Probable cause: The pilot’s impairment due to alcohol consumption and failure to maintain aircraft control.
For more information: NTSB.gov NTSB Identification: CEN10CA01
