The autopsy findings were released for the first time
Tuesday along with the crash investigation report.
Authorities are investigating how the substances might
have affected the pilot at the time of the August crash.
Morales, 30, was sentenced to three years probation on
charges of crack cocaine possession 12 days before the
crash.
Aaliyah, who was already a two-time Grammy nominee for
best female R&B vocalist, was leaving the Bahamas following
a video shoot when the Cessna 402-B crashed during takeoff.
All nine people aboard died.
The aviation department also said Tuesday the aircraft
may not have undergone fuel-pump wiring modifications
required in August 1988. Unidentified particles and
corrosion found in the fuel filters were "indications that
routine maintenance was not being performed," the statement
said.
The investigative committee has not yet been able to talk
to the plane's owner of the airplane, or inspect the engine
or aircraft log books, which would show maintenance, it
said.
The twin-engine plane was also at least 700 pounds
overweight, investigators have said. Although nine people
were on board, the plane is certified to carry up to eight
including the pilot.
Inspection of the plane's engine, airframe, propeller and
fuel system, however, has shown no cause for malfunction,
authorities said Tuesday.
In May, the parents of Aaliyah filed a lawsuit against
Virgin Records, alleging that negligence and recklessness
caused the plane crash.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on
behalf of Diane and Michael Haughton, also named several
video production companies and Blackhawk International
Airways, the company that operated the plane.
Neither Blackhawk nor Skystream, the plane's registered
owner, had a permit to operate commercial charter flights in
the Bahamas, investigators said.
Blackhawk officials couldn't be reached for comment.
|
Aliyah
means "ascent." To migrate to Israel -- to make
aliyah -- means to come from a low place and to
"go up."
Aaliyah (Swahili for "exalted one") |