Autopsy: No drugs in system of pilot in fatal Montana plane crash, likely no heart attack

No drugs in body of pilot in fatal Montana crash

HELENA, Mont. — A Montana coroner says the pilot in a March plane crash that killed 14 had no drugs or alcohol in his system and did not appear to have suffered a heart attack.

Butte-Silver Bow County Coroner Lee LaBreche (luh-BRESH’) said Wednesday that 65-year-old pilot Ellison Summerfield appeared to have had heart disease. But he says there was insufficient evidence in the autopsy to say he had a heart attack.

The private plane was carrying three California families to a ski vacation when it crashed near the Butte airport. All aboard were killed, including seven young children.

Officials have said the violent crash made the autopsy difficult. Summerfield had changed course shortly before the crash but did not say why or indicate any problems to controllers.