The Bahamas Department of Civil Aviation have confirmed that the pilot in the plane crash that killed Aaliyah last summer had traces of cocaine and alcohol in his body. Reports say the autopsy of Luis Morales III, who died in the accident with the singer and seven members of her entourage, 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. Word is that just twelve days before the crash, Morales pleaded no contest to cocaine possession in Pompano Beach, Florida, and was sentenced to three years of probation. His pilot's license should have been revoked as a result, but this had not happened by the time of the crash. The report also noted that fuel-pump wiring modifications that had been required on the jet being used three years prior to the accident may never have been done. The department is still working to track down the owner of the plane and inspect the aircraft log, which should provide maintenance records. The report confirms the plane's engine, airframe, propeller and fuel tank showed no malfunction, but makes no exact conclusion on the cause of the crash. In May Aaliyah's parents filed a lawsuit against the owners of plane, Virgin Records and several other companies, alleging negligence and recklessness caused the crash.
Jul 17, 2002
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1 min read
No clear answers from Aaliyah crash report
Bahamas investigators found cocaine and alcohol in the pilot's body after Aaliyah's fatal plane crash, but reached no conclusion on the cause, and her parents have sued the plane's owners and Virgin Records.