Incident Overview
A pilot and his pilot-rated wife were flying in their Luscombe aircraft, accompanied by another couple in a rented Mooney. The two couples had dinner and consumed wine prior to departure. At approximately 0015, both aircraft took off for a return flight home, maintaining visual contact with each other.
Sequence of Events
According to the Mooney occupants, while cruising at 6,500 feet MSL on a federal airway, the Luscombe pilot transmitted over the radio: "I'll show you something. I'm going to do a vertical 360. Watch this." The Mooney pilot observed the Luscombe descend slightly and then begin a climb. Subsequently, all contact with the Luscombe was lost.
Wreckage and Examination
The wreckage of the Luscombe was later located, scattered in numerous pieces over a distance of three-quarters of a mile. Examination of the aircraft structure, including the wing spars, revealed severe corrosion. No evidence was found that the aircraft had a current annual inspection.
Toxicology Results
Toxicological tests performed on the pilot and his wife indicated ethanol levels of 0.02 percent and 0.08 percent, respectively.