What happened
According to witness accounts, the pilot had been consuming alcohol prior to flight operations. Two friends transported him to the airport and observed the departure sequence. After liftoff, the aircraft climbed at a steep angle. Witnesses then observed the aircraft's rotating beacon as it spiraled toward the ground.
The investigation
Toxicological analysis was conducted on the pilot following the incident. The report revealed ethyl alcohol levels of 0.24% in the pilot's urine and 0.19% in his blood, respectively.
Findings
The pilot had been drinking before flight. Ethyl alcohol was present in significant quantities in his system. The aircraft spiraled to the ground after a steep climb.