Christmas Day Accident Caused by Pilot Error, Medications

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued its final report on a fatal December 2006 accident, stating pilot error and impairment from medications were factors. 

On December 22, 2006 a Cessna 340A piloted by orthopedic surgeon Ray B. Armistead crashed in the Stono River just outside of Charleston, SC.

As ANN reported, Armistead along with his wife Patricia, and their two daughters, Kristin and Lauren were killed when the aircraft crashed as it circled back for a second attempt to land at Johns Island Executive Airport southwest of downtown Charleston.

In the NTSB report issued this week, an investigation concluded that the airplane stalled after executing a "tight, low right turn" after overshooting the runway on its first landing attempt. A witness reported seeing the aircraft complete two revolutions before it was lost from his sight.

The aircraft impacted the water and sank to a depth of 20 feet in the Stono River. Upon recovery, a post-crash examination revealed no evidence of a pre-crash mechanical failure or malfunction.

Weather conditions included light rain and winds from the south around 15 mph at the time of the crash, according to the National Weather Service.

A forensic toxicology test performed by the FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory in Oklahoma City revealed the pilot had a high level of the prescription painkiller Tramadol -- twice the maximum regular dosage -- in his system. An antihistamine, Diphenhydramine, was also detected in his system and the resulting effects of one or both medications may have impaired his reactions.

FMI: Read The Probable Cause Report