Witness Account
According to a witness, during takeoff the aircraft rotated to a steep nose-up attitude. Immediately after lift-off, the pilot made a steep left turn and entered a downwind leg for landing on the same runway. The witness described the downwind as being tighter than normal and a little low. A power reduction was noted when the aircraft was abeam the runway threshold.
Maneuver and Stall
The pilot reportedly turned to base leg and began to overshoot the final approach path. The aircraft then entered a very steep base-to-final turn, where it stalled and began to spin. The spin stopped after approximately half a turn, but the aircraft struck the ground before the pilot could recover.
Damage and Mechanical Findings
The aircraft was badly damaged by impact and fire. No preimpact mechanical problem was found.
Toxicology Results
A toxicology report indicated that the available specimen of the pilot's blood was diluted with other body fluids. The specimen tested positive for alcohol, but the pilot's blood alcohol level was not determined. A test of his urine showed an alcohol level of 0.256% (256 mg/dL). Phenylpropanolamine (a decongestant) was detected in his urine, but none was found in his blood.