What happened
On January 30, 1983, at approximately 04:10, the pilot was observed flying recklessly at a low altitude. The aircraft was first seen making low passes, nearly striking trees and power lines. It then continued in a steep bank through about 90 degrees of turn, rolled inverted and pitched down simultaneously. The aircraft impacted the ground in the parking lot of a convenience store in what was described as a 'straight down nose first' attitude.
Sheriff's deputies confronted the pilot after he landed. They stated that he smelled of alcohol. He was given a sobriety test which he passed 'approximately average.' On February 14, 1983, the FAA sent a letter to the pilot stating they were investigating the incident. The investigation was closed on May 5, 1983, with no action taken.
The investigation
Toxicological tests revealed alcohol levels of 0.220% blood, 0.229% urine and 2.364% gastric. An unbroken, half full bottle of liquor was removed from the wreckage.