Incident Overview
On May 5, 1985, at approximately 1700 Central Daylight Time, an aircraft was observed taking off near Chickasha, Oklahoma. Sometime after 1700, a witness at a lake reported seeing an aircraft matching its description flying low. The witness observed the aircraft pull up into a steep climb over a dam, nearly stopping in the air, then dive vertically and recover at a low altitude.
Accident Sequence and Wreckage
Following the maneuver, the pilot flew to an area where the aircraft subsequently crashed on open terrain. There were no known witnesses to the accident itself. The aircraft was found approximately 24 hours later. Examination of the wreckage revealed indications that the aircraft had impacted in a near-vertical descent while spinning to the left.
Mechanical and Toxicology Findings
No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found during the wreckage examination. A toxicology check of the pilot's blood showed an alcohol level of 0.194%, and a check of his urine showed an alcohol level of 0.185%.