Pilot-Controlled Single-Engine Airplane Impacts Trees and Field; Elevated Blood Alcohol Found (N32461)

Accident Sequence

No known witnesses observed the pilot preflight the airplane or take off. He departed in the evening while the airport was not attended. At approximately 2012 Central Daylight Time, his son observed and recognized the airplane from his own home, about half a mile from the pilot's home. The son saw the airplane overfly his father's home at low altitude. Subsequently, he saw the airplane go over a tree-covered ridge between the pilot's house and the accident site. The son stated that the airplane struck trees on the backside of the ridge and disappeared from his view. After hitting the trees, the airplane impacted in an open field and came to rest about 185 feet from the initial impact with the trees. Eventually, the airplane began burning.

Examination Findings

Cleanly cut tree limbs (prop cuts) were found where the airplane struck the trees. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found. A check of the pilot's blood showed an alcohol level of 0.239%.