What happened
Following takeoff, the aircraft proceeded toward a destination airport situated approximately four miles to the south. Approximately two miles from the departure point, the pilot initiated a turn back toward the original airfield. Witnesses observed the aircraft in a shallow descent, flying at low altitude and high speed as it approached the runway threshold. The aircraft impacted trees and subsequently exploded about 1,400 feet short of the runway end. Post-impact examination revealed that the cabin door had separated from the fuselage, landing approximately 40 feet ahead of the main wreckage. Notably, neither the door handle nor the lock plunger was in the locked position at the time of discovery.
The investigation
A thorough physical inspection of the aircraft was conducted to determine the mechanical integrity of the system prior to impact. Examiners reviewed the airframe, powerplants, propellers, flight controls, and fuel systems. The analysis revealed no evidence of pre-impact malfunction or failure within these components, indicating that mechanical issues were not the primary factor in the accident sequence.
Findings
Investigation efforts uncovered a vial containing Tolinase 250 mg tablets at the accident site. Medical records obtained from a physician who had treated the pilot since 1978 indicated a history of various illnesses, including glycosuria. As recently as June 1985, the physician had prescribed three tablets of Tolinase per day for the pilot. Federal regulations under 14 CFR 61.53 strictly prohibit the operation of an aircraft at any time when medication is required that could impair flight safety. The presence and use of this prescription medication while operating the aircraft constituted a significant violation of federal aviation medical standards.