Failure To Change Tanks May Have Led To Fuel Starvation

Aero-News reported last November that police believed pilot David Betts was intoxicated when his Piper PA-28 descended into power lines -- although they wouldn't give an exact figure at the time. We now have one: at a court hearing Thursday, police said Betts' BAC was .36 at the time of the November 12 accident.

That's nine times the FAA's legal limit for pilots. Fortunately, no one was injured in the accident.

Court records obtained by WISN-12 also reveal that Betts has been arrested for drunk driving five times. He's currently participating in a rigorous alcohol rehabilitation program, according to his attorney.

"He is deeply remorseful for the conduct, and has taken steps to try to change things," the attorney told WISN.

Nevertheless, on Thursday Betts pleaded not guilty to charges of reckless flying, and endangering safety by negligent operation of a vehicle -- for which he faces nine months in jail, and a $10,000 fine. He's currently free on $5,000 bail.

The NTSB has yet to issue its factual report on the accident, and the investigation into what actually brought the Piper down is still underway -- although a spokesman indicated to investigators that the left fuel tank of the Cherokee had run dry, and Betts apparently failed to switch to the other tank.

Even if that's the case, the NTSB still hasn't officially stated if that actually played a role in the accident -- which, despite the damage inflicted to the plane and the power lines in the emergency descent, may have ended far worse had Betts continued flying.

FMI: Read The NTSB Preliminary Report