What happened
Three miles west of the airport, witnesses reported hearing the sounds of an aircraft departing from the field. As the aircraft proceeded on a northbound heading, observers noted distinct sounds of engine power cycling. This was followed by increasing noise levels that suggested the aircraft might be attempting to return to the airfield.
At one point, witnesses heard a sudden sound of high engine power. Immediately following this auditory cue, one witness visually observed the aircraft in a vertical descent toward the ground.
The investigation
Post-accident toxicological testing was conducted on relevant personnel. The results showed a blood alcohol content of 0.111 percent.