Toxicology Shows Levels Ten Times Those Of 'Normal Users'

There's an update on the case of a Cessna 172 stolen by a non-pilot from the Concord Airport in California earlier this month, then crashed into the bank of a canal after an apparent wire strike. The toxicology report reveals the thief had methamphetamine in his bloodstream at a concentration ten times that of a normal user, indicative of long-term use.

As ANN reported, the plane was not immediately reported stolen by its owner, Felix Boston of Walnut Creek, because he thought it was being serviced. He had last seen the plane Friday, February 3, and made the report the next day. The accident site was discovered mid afternoon on Sunday, February 5. The sole occupant, 52-year-old Ray Pirro, was discovered dead in the wreckage.

The Contra Costa Times now reports Pirro had a methamphetamine concentration of 2,500 nanograms per milliliter of blood, according to Dr. David Hadden, the Fresno County coroner. Hadden says a typical level for a regular user of the drug would be between 100 and 300 nanograms, adding, "This shows chronic, long-term use. He was extraordinarily tolerant."

Pirro did not have any pilot certificate.

FMI: Crash Scene Photo