Sat, Mar 11, 2006
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.
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