Accident Description
An aircraft was observed entering a downwind leg of the traffic pattern at a low altitude, estimated at 100 feet above ground level. A witness momentarily looked away and upon looking back, could not see the aircraft. A search was initiated, and the aircraft was subsequently found where it had crashed in a steep nose-down attitude.
Post-Crash Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact part failure or malfunction. No issues with the aircraft's structure or systems were identified that could have contributed to the accident.
Toxicology Results
Toxicological analyses of the pilot's blood and urine were conducted by the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) and Mercy Hospital in Laredo, Texas. CAMI results showed alcohol levels of 0.406% in the blood and 0.075% in the urine. A separate test performed by Mercy Hospital indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.112%. Variance between alcohol levels in the blood and urine, similar to this case, can also result when the individual is in an absorptive state.
Pilot History
The pilot had not logged any night flying time in the 90 days preceding the accident.