Toxicologic studies on USAF aircraft accident casualties, 1973-1984

The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology analyzed toxicology specimens on 294 cases submitted by the U.S. Air Force from 1973 through 1984. The fatal population consisted of 196 cases of which 43 (22%) had positive toxicology results. Of the fatalities, 14 (7%) had positive drug analyses. The nonfatal group consisted of 98 cases; 14 were positive for toxicology, with 6 positive for drugs. These toxicologic findings are analyzed according to aircrew position, aircraft, and accident scenario parameters.