An air ambulance pilot has pled guilty to flying drunk during an emergency flight.
Morgan J. Wiljanen, 46, of Louisville, pled guilty to operating an air common carrier while under the influence of alcohol. He faces up to 15 years in prison at sentencing.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of March 21 when Wiljanen, who flew for Air Evac EMS Inc., picked up a patient from Baptist Health Corbin for an emergency flight to the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, according to multiple media reports.
While en route, Wiljanen began flying erratically, including a loss of altitude. This caused the paramedic and flight nurse to become concerned. It was then that the paramedic observed Wiljanen slumped over in his seat.
The flight crew yelled into the intercom in an attempt to wake Wiljanen. Eventually, the pilot awoke and landed at Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond after being convinced to do so by the paramedic and flight nurse.
Upon Wiljanen’s reckless reapproach to the airport, he forced other aircraft to take evasive measures. After landing, Wiljanen was transported to Baptist Health Richmond where a blood alcohol test was performed, which showed the helicopter pilot’s blood alcohol concentration was .35, more than four times the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle.
Eight hours later, Wiljanen was given a breathalyzer test where his blood alcohol level was .145, nearly twice the legal limit to drive a car.
Wiljanen, at that time, was suspended from his duties and the FAA notified. After a company review of the incident, Wiljanen was terminated.
The patient Wiljanen was transporting was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
