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Wed, Nov 30, 2005

Police Say Pilot Was Legally Intoxicated In MKE Power Lines Mishap

But Was That A Factor?

Police say the pilot of a Piper PA-28 was legally intoxicated when the plane's engine lost power, and went down earlier this month. Fortunately, no one was injured when the Cherokee (file photo of type, right) landed in powerlines over a Milwaukee neighborhood.

Police Deputy Chief Brian O'Keefe told Green Bay's WBAY that pilot David Betts registered a blood-alcohol level above the state limit of .08 -- which is already twice the FAA-mandated legal limit for pilots of .04 -- although he didn't give an exact figure.

O'Keefe also said the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office and the US Attorney's Office are reviewing the case. The NTSB is also looking into the circumstances behind the accident, although the agency's preliminary report pins the blame for the accident on power failure, with no mention of the pilot's faculties.

Should Betts be prosecuted and convicted under Wisconsin law for flying drunk, he faces a fine ranging anywhere from $10 to $100. Of course, the pilot would also lose his ticket.

FMI: Read The NTSB Preliminary Report

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