What happened
The aircraft was observed flying at low altitude near the shoreline of the bay near Clarks Point. The flight had been erratic since takeoff. At one point in the flight, the pilot pulled up into a vertical climb, causing the aircraft to stall and spin into the water.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed no malfunctions of the equipment. Two toxicological examinations of the pilot's blood were conducted. One indicated an alcohol level of 0.208%, while the other indicated an alcohol level of 226mg/dL. Records showed no evidence that the pilot had flown between May 19, 1982, and August 30, 1983.
Findings
The pilot was a student pilot with little experience. The student had not been endorsed or approved to fly the Cessna 180/185 airplane. The combination of inexperience, lack of recent flight time, and significant alcohol impairment contributed to the loss of control.
Safety message
Student pilots must ensure they are properly endorsed for the specific aircraft type they are flying and maintain regular flight proficiency. Operating an aircraft while impaired by alcohol is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous.