Accident Description
The aircraft took off and headed toward the destination airport, located four miles south of the departure airport. When approximately two miles from the destination, the pilot turned back toward the departure airport.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported that the aircraft was in a shallow descent, flying low and fast, when it collided with trees and exploded about 1,400 feet short of the runway.
Examination Findings
The cabin door was found about 40 feet in front of the fuselage. Examination revealed that neither the handle nor the lock plunger were in the 'locked' position. An examination of the airframe, powerplants, propellers, flight controls, and fuel systems found no evidence of pre-impact malfunction or failure.
Medication Discovery
A vial containing 'TOLINASE' 250 mg tablets was found at the accident site. A physician stated that he had treated the pilot since 1978 for various illnesses, including a history of glycosuria, and as recently as June 1985 had prescribed three tablets of 'TOLINASE' a day.
Regulatory Context
14 CFR 61.53 prohibits the operation of an aircraft at any time when medication is required.