Overview
Approximately 30 minutes before the accident, the two pilots stopped by a hangar to greet an individual. This individual reported that the pilot appeared intoxicated, with slurred speech, difficulty focusing his eyes, and frequent giggling.
Flight and Crash
The pilots departed from the airport at approximately 0215. Around 0230, a witness reported hearing an aircraft roar very low over her residence, traveling toward the ocean. She stated that the aircraft lit up her bedroom. At 0241, police were notified that an aircraft had crashed into the ocean.
Damage and Toxicological Findings
Both wings exhibited severe chordwise accordioning. The pilot-in-command's blood alcohol level was 0.07%. The other pilot had a spleen alcohol level of 0.09%, and toxicology testing showed evidence of phenytoin.