What happened
Prior to the flight, the pilot and two passengers were observed consuming beer at a local bar. Following takeoff, witnesses noted the aircraft flying extremely close to the ground along a shoreline. One witness was a police officer who positively identified the aircraft by its registration number.
At approximately 19:30, the pilot performed a high-speed, very low pass over an airport runway, flying against the prevailing traffic pattern. No witnesses directly observed the moment of impact. The wreckage was discovered three days later on a federal wildlife preserve, partially submerged in a canal bank. Examination of the site indicated the aircraft had struck a high-tension electrical transmission line at an altitude of about 40 feet above ground level before crashing.
The investigation
Toxicology reports provided critical evidence regarding the occupants' condition. Medical examiner tests showed the pilot's blood and chest fluids contained an alcohol level of 0.09%. Subsequent testing at the FAA Aeromedical Center revealed higher concentrations: 0.115% for the pilot, 0.151% for the female passenger, and 0.085% for the male passenger. The extent of possible decomposition was not verified.
Findings
The occupants were significantly impaired by alcohol at the time of the flight. The pilot engaged in dangerous low-altitude maneuvers inconsistent with safe operating procedures, leading to a collision with infrastructure. All three occupants sustained fatal injuries.