Cocaine, Alcohol Found In Pilot Of Aaliyah's Plane

The pilot in the plane crash that killed Aaliyah in August had traces of cocaine and alcohol in his body, the Bahamas Department of Civil Aviation announced Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.

An autopsy of Luis Morales III, who died in the accident with the singer and seven members of her entourage (see "Aaliyah Killed In Plane Crash"), showed cocaine in his urine and alcohol in his stomach. The department is still investigating how the substances might have affected the 30-year-old pilot.

Twelve days before the August 25 crash, Morales pleaded no contest to cocaine possession in Pompano Beach, Florida, and was sentenced to three years of probation (see ). His pilot's license should have been revoked, although it had yet to be at the time of the crash.

In the report released Tuesday, aviation officials also noted the Cessna 402B aircraft Morales was flying may not have undergone fuel-pump wiring modifications required three years prior to the accident. Particles and corrosion in the fuel filters also suggested routine maintenance had not been performed.

The department is still working to track down the owner of the plane and inspect the aircraft log, which should provide maintenance records.

An investigation shortly after the accident revealed the plane was at least 700 pounds overweight, a finding that also shows up in the latest report. Along with equipment used during the video shoot for "Rock the Boat" earlier on the day of the crash, the plane was loaded with one more passenger than it was certified to carry (see ).

Although the exact cause of the crash is still uncertain, Tuesday's report does rule out a few possibilities. The authorities said the plane's engine, airframe, propeller and fuel tank showed no malfunction.

In May, Aaliyah's parents filed a lawsuit against the owners of the plane, Virgin Records and several other companies, alleging negligence and recklessness caused the crash (see ).

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Words can't express how I feel after reading these causes. I'm 100% sure I speak for all of those who loved her as if we were her family. She's never met me a day in her life let alone knew of my existing, but she will always have a place in my heart and i appreciate her music and just her period. I don't want to say she was but she is a beautiful human being not only outside but in. Her heart was so pure and it's not fair. As I am writing I begin to lose words of how deeply I can express. I honestly don't know what else i could say at this point I'm totally speechless. But what I will say and hope this can reach her family is... thankyou. Thankyou for allowing us to experience the existence of an angel, bringing her into this world I and sharing her with us.