Pre-Flight Observations
The pilot and passengers were observed consuming beer in a bar prior to the flight. After departure, witnesses saw the aircraft flying at a very low altitude near a shoreline. One witness, a police officer, identified the aircraft by its registration number.
Low Pass Over Airport
At approximately 1930, the pilot executed a very low pass over an airport at high speed and against the prevailing flow of traffic. No known witnesses observed the subsequent accident.
Wreckage Discovery
Three days later, the wreckage was found on a Federal wildlife preserve. The aircraft came to rest partially submerged against the bank of a canal.
Crash Site Examination
Examination of the crash site revealed that the aircraft had collided with a high tension electrical transmission line at about 40 feet above ground level, then impacted the ground.
Toxicology Results
Toxicology studies by the medical examiner showed the pilot's blood and chest fluids had an alcohol level of 0.09%. Tests conducted by the FAA Aeromedical Center on the occupants' chest fluids indicated alcohol levels of 0.115% for the pilot, 0.151% for the female passenger, and 0.085% for the male passenger. The extent of possible putrefaction was not verified.