Eloy Hot Air Balloon Crash Report: Pilot Tested Positive for Ketamine

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Hot air balloon pilot autopsy report
2. Ketamine presence in pilot’s system crash

A new report reveals that the pilot in a fatal hot air balloon crash in Eloy, Arizona, had drugs in his system at the time of the incident. Cornelius Petrus Jakobus van der Walt had elevated levels of ketamine in his blood, which were above the impaired driving limit. Despite ketamine being used to treat mental health issues in Arizona, van der Walt did not have a prescription for it. The crash resulted in the deaths of van der Walt and three passengers, with the balloon deflating before plummeting to the ground. The NTSB is conducting a full investigation, with a report expected in the coming year.

The Tragic Hot Air Balloon Crash in Eloy, Arizona

In a devastating turn of events, a hot air balloon crash in Eloy, Arizona, has left four people dead. The pilot, Cornelius Petrus Jakobus van der Walt, was found to have drugs in his system at the time of the incident. According to reports, elevated levels of ketamine were detected in his blood, which were deemed above the threshold for impaired driving.

Eloy, a picturesque city located in Pinal County, Arizona, is known for its stunning landscapes and adventurous activities. The balloon crash occurred on a fateful morning, as thirteen individuals embarked on a skydiving adventure. However, tragedy struck when the balloon plummeted to the ground, claiming the lives of van der Walt and three passengers.

The Shocking Details of the Autopsy Report

The autopsy report, released recently, revealed disturbing details about the crash. Van der Walt, the experienced pilot at the helm of the balloon, had consumed ketamine without a prescription. This powerful drug, often used to treat mental health conditions, was found in his system at levels considered impairing.

Despite efforts by rescue crews to revive the pilot at the crash site, van der Walt succumbed to his injuries. The three passengers onboard, Chayton Wiescholek, Kaitlynn Bartrom, and Atahan Kiliccote, also tragically lost their lives in the incident.

The NTSB’s Preliminary Findings

A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shed light on the events leading up to the crash. Investigators noted that the balloon’s envelope had deflated prematurely, causing it to lose altitude rapidly. Additionally, burn damage and frayed rim tape on the envelope were identified as potential contributing factors to the tragic accident.

As the investigation into the crash continues, authorities have indicated that a comprehensive report detailing the sequence of events and probable causes will take at least a year to complete. The community of Eloy, reeling from the loss of four lives, mourns the victims and awaits answers to the lingering questions surrounding the tragic incident.

The serene skies of Eloy, once a backdrop for thrilling adventures, now bear witness to a somber reminder of the fragility of life. As authorities work tirelessly to unravel the circumstances of the hot air balloon crash, the memory of those lost in the tragedy lingers in the hearts of residents and visitors alike.