What happened
The pilot and an instrument-rated passenger flew to Myrtle Beach, intending to have the second crew member available for the return flight if weather conditions required IFR flight. After arriving at Myrtle Beach, the crew decided to stay overnight. Following a period of social activity involving alcohol consumption, the two individuals separated.
The pilot subsequently began the return flight to Chapel Hill, operating at an altitude of 8,500 feet. Upon approaching the destination, the pilot contacted Raleigh/Durham (RDU) Approach Control and received clearance to descend at his discretion, though he was instructed to maintain VFR flight rules. During a high-speed descent while operating in instrument meteorological conditions, the airplane collided with trees.
Findings
Independent toxicology testing performed on the crew members revealed blood alcohol levels of 0.10% and 0.071%. Investigation into the pilot's history revealed that he had previously been convicted of a DWI in June 1987 and had experienced a one-year driver's license suspension starting in January 1988. These records were not disclosed by the pilot on his application for a medical certificate, where he denied any history of excessive drinking or traffic convictions.