NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On May 23, 1994, about 1953 eastern daylight time, a Cessna A150M, N9856J, registered to Kurt E. Thuemmler, crashed at the Indiantown airport, Indiantown, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was destroyed and the private-rated pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. The time of departure from the Indiantown airport has not been determined.

According to an individual who had known the pilot for about 2.5 years, the pilot was observed drinking Milwaukee's Best beer at the airport between 1700 and 1900 hours on the day of the accident, but the quantity wasn't determined. The individual also stated that the passenger who was in the airplane arrived at the airport about 1800 hours with a 12-pack of Budweiser beer but didn't observe the passenger drinking beer. During a casual conversation the pilot stated that he had 202 hours of flight time. The individual left the airport about 1900 hours and didn't witness the accident nor did either person indicate to him that they were going to fly the airplane.

The airport manager stated that he left the airport about 1630 on the day of the accident and at that time there were less than six cans of beer in the airport refrigerator. After the accident the refrigerator contained 6 full cans of Budweiser beer which was the remains from a 12-pack and 6 full cans of Milwaukee's Best beer which was the remains from a 12-pack.

A witness who was about 1/4 mile south of the airport observed the airplane flying southbound over a canal about 150 feet above ground level (agl) towards his position. He stated that when the airplane was over his position, the airplane was observed to bank 90 degrees completing a 180-degree turn flying away from him. He looked away from the airplane but saw it about 45 seconds later flying east-southeast bound down runway 13 about tree top height at a high rate of speed. When the airplane was over the departure end of the runway he observed the airplane climbing nearly vertical to about 500 feet agl and near the apex of the climb, the airplane appeared to stop. The airplane then began to descend nose low while spinning completing about 3/4 to 1.5 turns before impact with the ground. He further stated that the engine was running "strong" the entire time.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

Information pertaining to the pilot is contained in the NTSB Factual Report-Aviation.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

Information pertaining to the airplane is contained in the NTSB Factual Report-Aviation and Supplements A and B.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

Information pertaining to weather is contained in the NTSB Factual Report-Aviation.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT

Before NTSB arrival, the wreckage had been moved and during the extrication of the occupants shortly after the accident, it was noted that there was a Budweiser beer can on the floor forward of the passenger's seat and a Milwaukee's Best beer can between the pilot's legs. Additionally, it was noted that both occupants were wearing a four place seat restraint. Review of photographs taken by the Martin County Sheriff's Department Crime Scene Unit before the airplane was moved revealed that the empennage was elevated about 60 degrees above the ground. Examination of the wings revealed chordwise leading edge crushing of both wings with the right wing exhibiting greater crushing. All components necessary to sustain flight were attached to the airplane. Examination of the aileron, rudder, and elevator flight control systems revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Examination of each seat assembly revealed that each seat lock pin was bent aft. The engine was removed for further examination.

Examination of the engine assembly revealed that the carburetor, and magnetos separated from the engine due to impact damage. Valve train, crankshaft, and camshaft continuity was verified. The magnetos were turned by hand which revealed spark at all towers of each magneto. Finger compression of each cylinder was verified. Examination of the carburetor revealed that the mixture and throttle rod ends were attached to each control arm. The finger screen was removed and found to be clean. The carburetor was disassembled which revealed that the carburetor bowl contained a small quantity of automotive fuel. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL

Postmortem examinations of the pilot and passenger were conducted by Charles A. Diggs, M.D., Associate Medical Examiner, District Nineteen, Fort Pierce, Florida. The cause of death for both was listed as Multiple injuries due to blunt trauma.

Toxicological testing was performed on specimens of the pilot by the Wuesthoff Memorial Hospital. The results were positive in the urine for caffeine, nicotine, and nicotine metabolite. The cannabinoid level by FPIA was 50 NG/ML. The results were negative in the urine for cocaine metabolite, opiates, and benzodiazepines. The results were positive in the blood for cannabinoids (63 NG/ML) but the quantity of the specimen was insufficient for Delta 9 THC identification by GC/MS analysis. The result were also positive for carbon monoxide (4 percent), and ethanol (.145 G/DL). The results were negative in the blood for cocaine metabolite, opiates, salicylate, and benzodiazepines. The results were positive in vitreous fluid for ethanol (.154 G/DL).

Toxicological testing was also performed on specimens of the pilot by the FAA Toxicology and Accident Research Laboratory. The results were negative for the cutoff level of carbon monoxide, cyanide, and tested drugs. The results were positive for ethanol in the blood (155.000 mg/dl), and vitreous fluid (162.000 mg/dl). Ethanol (226.000 mg/dl), and tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic Acid [marihuana] (.017 ug/ml) were detected in the urine. Additionally, acetaldehyde (11.000 mg/dl), and tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid [marihuana] (.004 ug/ml) were detected in the blood.

SURVIVAL ASPECTS

The accident was not survivable.

ADDITIONAL DATA/INFORMATION

The wreckage was released to Mr. Patrick Politi, President of Indiantown Aviation, on May 24, 1994.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S IMPAIRMENT OF JUDGMENT AND PERFORMANCE DUE TO ALCOHOL AND DRUGS, WHICH LED TO HIS IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING A MANEUVER.