Drugs and Alcohol Found in Fatal Civil Aviation Accidents Between 1989 and 1993.
Abstract
The FAA Office of Aviation Medicine's Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAM!) is tasked under public law 100-591 (H.R. 4686); November 3, 1988, Aviation Safety Research Act of 1988 to conduct toxicology tests on aviation accidents and determine the effects of drugs on human performance. It is important for the FAA to identify the extent to which drugs and alcohol are being used by pilots involved in aviation accidents so that the FAA can take steps to prevent pilots from using drugs or alcohol, which could impair their ability to fly an aircraft. The toxicology reports prepared by the CAM! Forensic Toxicology Research Section are used by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board to determine the cause of aviation accidents and evaluate present FAA regulations. Methods: Specimens (blood, urine, liver, kidney, vitreous, and other bodily specimens) were collected by pathologists near the accident and placed in evidence containers provided by CAM!. These samples were refrigerated and shipped by overnight air. Upon receipt, the specimens were inventoried and accessioned for the analysis of drugs, alcohol, carbon monoxide, and cyanide. All data collected by the laboratory were electronically entered into a computer for future analysis. The data base was searched using a program developed by the Forensic Toxicology Research Section. The data base was sorted based on the class of drug, controlled dangerous substance schedules I and II, controlled dangerous substance schedules III-V, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and alcohol. Results: The Toxicology and Accident Research Laboratory received specimens from 1845 pilots for postmortem toxicology analysis between 1989 to 1993.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA302527
Entities
People
- Dennis Canfield
- Jerry Hordinsky
- Jo Flemig
- Merritt Birky
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration