What happened
The pilot had climbed the aircraft to an altitude of 3200 feet before pulling the throttle fully back to initiate a descent. Shortly thereafter, the engine stopped. The pilot reported attempting to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. He then executed a forced landing straight ahead into a wooded area. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the impact with the trees.
The investigation
Witnesses at the scene reported that both occupants appeared intoxicated and had been drinking while the aircraft was being refueled prior to the flight. One witness stated that the pilot and passenger had made a $100 wager that the pilot could glide the aircraft from Pioneer Peak to Finger Lake with the engine shut off. This witness observed the aircraft through binoculars and confirmed that the engine was not running when the aircraft disappeared behind the trees.
Medical personnel at the crash site noted that the pilot appeared hostile and uncooperative. A blood sample taken approximately two and a half hours after the accident revealed an alcohol concentration of 0.204 percent.