A forensic examination report from the Pinal County Medical Examiner's Office revealed that Cornelius van der Walt, the pilot of an Arizona hot air balloon in January, had elevated levels of the psychedelic drug ketamine in his blood system, CNN reports.

Toxicology testing conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration and NMS Labs indicated ketamine levels of 1.1 to 1.2 mg/L in his system, significantly higher than the threshold for impaired driving set by the United Kingdom.

Ketamine, known for its dissociative anesthetic and hallucinogenic effects, was not administered during resuscitation efforts at the crash site, and van der Walt did not have a prescription for the drug.

The Arizona hot air balloon crash, which occurred on January 14 in Eloy, Arizona, led to the fatalities of the pilot and three passengers, leaving one survivor critically injured.

Details of the Tragic Crash

On the day of the incident, van der Walt was the operator of an Arizona hot air balloon that crashed. It was carrying 12 people when the incident happened in desert terrain due to an unspecified problem with its envelope, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Four passengers, including van der Walt, lost their lives, while one suffered severe injuries. The remaining eight passengers, who were skydivers, exited the aircraft safely before the crash, the Daily Beast noted.

The survivor, 23-year-old Valerie Stutterheim, sustained a traumatic brain injury, prompting her parents to launch a GoFundMe campaign to cover her medical expenses.

Investigations revealed that the Arizona hot air balloon, a Kubicek BB 85 manufactured in 2011, was deflated with the burner still on before impact, according to the NTSB report.

Van der Walt, originally from South Africa, was the owner and founder of Droplyne Hot Air Balloon Rides, the company operating the aircraft.

Although described as an experienced and safety-conscious pilot, the autopsy revealed the presence of ketamine in his system at the time of the crash.

Safety Protocols and Investigations

Arizona hosts multiple hot air balloon festivals annually, and licensed pilots are required to undergo rigorous training and background checks before operating aircraft.

Nanette Duncan, event director for the Arizona Hot Air Balloon Classic festival, emphasized the importance of safety procedures, including pre-flight inspections and weather monitoring, according to Azcentral.

All balloons are piloted by licensed professionals who must adhere to FAA regulations and undergo medical certification.

Guests are briefed on safety precautions before boarding, and pilots must obtain flight authorization and notify relevant authorities.

While investigations into the crash continue, preliminary reports suggest thermal damage and structural anomalies in the balloon.

The NTSB warns that investigations may take up to two years to complete before a final report is available.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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