What happened
The circumstances and purpose of the flight were not determined. Witnesses reported that the owner, who was also a student pilot, and another individual took off and entered what appeared to be a closed traffic pattern for runway 18. The traffic pattern was terminated during a low approach. During the second climb-out, the aircraft went into a nose-high attitude, then entered a stall and spin before crashing.
The investigation
No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found. The owner/student pilot's last endorsement for solo flight was dated June 10, 1984. According to his logbook, his last solo flight was on December 12, 1984; however, there were three entries for N5668Z after that entry with no date or flight time logged. The owner/student pilot was presumed to be the pilot-in-command.
Findings
A toxicology check of the owner/student pilot's blood showed an alcohol level of 0.15%. A test of the other occupant's blood was negative. The extent to which the other occupant was acting as a mechanic/observer or an instructor pilot was not verified.