Incident Description
Witnesses reported that the aircraft rotated to a high pitch attitude during the initial climb after takeoff. They then observed the aircraft enter a left turn and descend to the ground. The impact occurred on rising terrain, beyond a gully, approximately 200 feet east of the departure end of Runway 17.
Investigation Findings
An examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of preimpact part failure or malfunction, although the aircraft was extensively damaged during the impact. The pilot had reported 2,000 hours of flight time on an application for a medical certificate dated April 29, 1987.
A drug screen of the pilot's urine showed the presence of marijuana metabolites, and a toxicology check of his blood revealed a carboxy-THC level of 47 ng/mL. Additionally, a partially smoked marijuana cigarette, a marijuana pipe with filters, and some unidentified seeds were found in the cabin of the aircraft after the accident.