The Accident
The aircraft crashed and burned on a dark, moonless night after impacting the ground in a nose-low attitude. The crash site was located near the home of a friend whom the pilot had visited earlier in the evening. According to the investigation, the sky was clear at the time, but another pilot positioned at the Ft. Sumner airport reported a lack of references to the horizon when observing the aircraft depart.
Wreckage and Site
The aircraft impacted soft, level, sandy soil. The main wreckage bounced and came to rest approximately 162 feet from the initial impact point. Except for the engine, empennage, and portions of the wings, the aircraft disintegrated on impact. The wreckage subsequently burned.
Pilot Toxicology
A toxicology examination of the pilot's blood revealed a blood alcohol level of 135 milligrams per percent.
Environmental Conditions
The accident occurred during a dark, moonless night. Although the sky was clear, the absence of moonlight and the terrain contributed to a lack of visual horizon references, as reported by another pilot who witnessed the departure from the Ft. Sumner airport.