Amateur-built CHALLENGER N4526G accident near Kankakee, Illinois

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the telephone line and his poor judgment to fly while under the influence of alcohol. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to the alcohol consumption.

NTSB analysis

The aircraft was observed flying low along a river about 30 to 40 feet above the water, when it impacted a telephone line that went across the river. First responders reported that the pilot had the smell of alcohol on his breath. The pilot had his blood drawn more than 3½ hours after the accident, and the laboratory results indicated 0.127 g/dL of ethanol. Examination and photographs of the wreckage did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies. FAA regulation 91.17 Alcohol or drugs, in part, stated, "(a)No person may act or attempt to act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft - (1) Within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage; (2) While under the influence of alcohol; … or (4) While having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater in a blood or breath specimen."

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA488 for the full record.