Incident Details
A student pilot, authorized by his certified flight instructor (CFI) for a solo cross-country training flight under daytime visual flight rules (VFR), departed Key West at 0330 EDT on the return portion of the flight. Neither the CFI nor the pilot's employer could explain a 15-hour delay in departing. Witnesses who saw the pilot before takeoff believed he was intoxicated.
Approximately 45 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft crashed and burned in the Everglades. Although the weather was clear, the accident occurred on a dark night in a sparsely populated area with few ground lights.
Investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed the aircraft crashed while in a steep, inverted attitude. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found.
Toxicology and Medical
Tests of the pilot's blood and urine showed alcohol levels of 0.25% and 0.32%, respectively. Evidence of marijuana was detected in his urine, but none was found in his blood.
A medical examiner reported that he had issued the student a third-class medical certificate on June 23, 1986, but had moved since then and could not locate the medical records. The FAA record center had no record of the medical examination.