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Amy Wilder

A new <a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-studies/Pages/DCA24SS011.aspx">NTSB safety research report</a>&nbsp;reveals that 28.6% of pilots killed in aircraft crashes between 2018 and 2022 tested positive for potentially impairing drugs, and 52.8% tested positive for at least one drug of any type, continuing an upward trend. However,&nbsp;drug presence identified through toxicology testing does not necessarily indicate pilot impairment, the report emphasizes. The report adds to similar earlier NTSB studies between 1990 and 2012, and 2013 and 2017.
Among drug categories identified in toxicology reports, the most commonly detected included cardiovascular medications, sedating antihistamines, non-sedating over-the-counter drugs, cholesterol-lowering medications, prostate or erectile dysfunction drugs, and illicit drugs. Overall, 27.7% of pilots killed in aircraft accidents tested positive for two or more drugs.
Detection of potentially impairing drugs increased slightly to 28.6%, with the sedating antihistamine medication diphenhydramine remaining the most detected in this category.&nbsp;Illicit drug detection increased to 7.4%, driven primarily by increases in THC, the primary psychoactive chemical in marijuana.
Drug prevalence varied by pilot age, certification level, and type of operation. Drug presence was lower among pilots conducting Part 135 operations than among those operating under Part 91; among pilots with an active medical certificate versus those without one; and among pilots holding airline transport and commercial pilot certificates than those with a private, sport, student, or no certificate.

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

NTSB: Drug Detection Increases among Pilots Killed in Accidents

Study examined toxicology results from 2018 through 2022

Drug presence among fatally injured pilots continues rising, with marijuana and sedating antihistamines driving increases, according to an NTSB study.

NTSB: Drug Detection Up among Pilots Killed in Accidents

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Mission completed via nine hoists in 3- to 5-foot seas

U.S. Air Force Rescues All 11 from Ditched King Air

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Striking objects at low altitude is one of the greatest risks to helicopter operations

Aviation Coalition Aims To Rein in Slackline Hazards

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Rule would require tests and maintenance actions following hung starts

AD NPRM on CF34-3 Engine a Result of Hop-A-Jet Crash

David Jack Kenny

Preliminary and final accident reports, May 2026

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: May 2026

Company wants lessons learned to be shared in bizav community

Hop-A-Jet: NTSB Final Report Is ‘Accurate Assessment’

Engines were sent to the manufacturer for evaluation

NTSB: Corroded Engine VG Parts Caused Naples CL604 Crash

Kerry Lynch

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

More In Accidents

U.S. Air Force Rescues All 11 from Ditched King Air

Mission completed via nine hoists in 3- to 5-foot seas

Aviation Coalition Aims To Rein in Slackline Hazards

Striking objects at low altitude is one of the greatest risks to helicopter operations

AD NPRM on CF34-3 Engine a Result of Hop-A-Jet Crash

Rule would require tests and maintenance actions following hung starts

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: May 2026

Preliminary and final accident reports, May 2026

Hop-A-Jet: NTSB Final Report Is ‘Accurate Assessment’

Company wants lessons learned to be shared in bizav community

NTSB: Corroded Engine VG Parts Caused Naples CL604 Crash

Engines were sent to the manufacturer for evaluation

RVA Launches RVantage Report, To Host Industry Summit

RVA ‘27 Summit will be held at the Mayflower Hotel in February

Pilot Judgment Error Caused Citation III Hail Damage

Accident went unreported for three months until anonymous complaint

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