Both Occupants Tested Positive For Medications
Two pilots who were killed when the Cessna 320D they were
flying went down in the traffic pattern at Airman Acres Airport
near Collinsville, Oklahoma in September, 2008 tested positive for
different medications. The NTSB says that impairment was possibly a
contributing factor in the accident. The probable cause is listed
as the crews' failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted
in an aerodynamic stall close to the ground.
According to the probable cause report issued Wednesday, Harvey
Hazelwood, a private pilot, owned the 320 and had been working on
restoring the aircraft for four years. He had a history of hip pain
treated with nortriptyline, a prescription antidepressant also used
for pain control, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
treated with fluoxetine, a prescription antidepressant also used
for other psychiatric conditions, and trazodone, a prescription
antidepressant also used for insomnia. Toxicology findings were
consistent with the ongoing use of all three drugs. Nortriptyline
has adverse cognitive and performance effects, particularly with
higher blood levels, and fluoxetine may interfere with its
metabolism, potentially raising the blood level of nortriptyline.
It is possible that the pilot was impaired or distracted by his hip
pain, or impaired by nortriptyline.
Larry Jackson, a commercial pilot and friend of Hazelwood's, who
had helped him with the restoration project, occasionally used
diphenhydramine, an over-the-counter sedating antihistamine, for
allergy symptoms, and toxicology findings were consistent with
recent ingestion of the drug.
In typical doses, diphenhydramine commonly results in
drowsiness, and has measurable effects on performance of complex
cognitive and motor tasks, even in individuals who feel normal
after ingesting the drug. The NTSB found it was likely that Jackson
was impaired by recent ingestion of diphenhydramine. Neither pilot
had indicated the use of the detected medications or conditions for
which they were used on their last applications for Airman Medical
Certificate.
The Tulsa World reports both pilots lived at Airman Acres. In
it's factual report issued December 1st, 2009, the NTSB said
Jackson was rated for airplane single and multi-engine land, and
instrument airplane. He also held a certified flight instructor
certificate for airplane single-and multi-engine land, and
instrument airplane. His last second class FAA medical was issued
on June 10, 2008. At that time, he reported a total of 2,000 flight
hours. Hazelwood was rated for airplane single and multi-engine
land. He also had an FAA airframe and power plant certificate. His
last third class FAA medical was issued on June 28, 2007. A review
of his last FAA airman application dated September 1, 2008,
revealed he had a total of 215 flight hours.
The NTSB said it was not possible to determine who was flying
the aircraft at the time control was lost. examination of the
airplane and both engines revealed no premishap mechanical
deficiencies.