What happened
The flight departed with the pilot, three adult passengers, and a two-year-old child on board. The aircraft remained airborne for approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes before the incident occurred. Just prior to the accident, the pilot communicated on the radio that he was established on a left downwind leg for runway 20.
As the aircraft continued its approach, witnesses observed it over the runway at an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level. The aircraft was reportedly at full power but was mushing and losing altitude. Subsequently, the plane crashed west of the departure end while on a southeasterly heading. Two flight instructors reported that the aircraft had stalled or mushed during the final moments. Two other witnesses stated that the engine was not developing power when the plane crashed.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage and records revealed no pre-impact part failure or mechanical malfunction. A toxicology check of the pilot's blood showed an alcohol level of 0.046%. The density altitude at the time of the accident was approximately 4,200 feet.
Findings
The pilot stalled the aircraft during the final approach phase. Contributing factors included the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and the presence of alcohol in his system. The pilot and 3 passengers were fatal, while the child survived.