Accident Details
A newly certificated private pilot, reportedly emotionally disturbed about his employment and personal life situation, departed near midnight for a short cross-country flight. The pilot loved flying and used it to release anxiety. During the flight, he became disoriented and requested radar vectors back to his departure airport. Controllers reported that the pilot sounded irrational and observed the aircraft failing to hold heading and altitude. The aircraft entered a rapid descent and collided with the ground, coming to rest in a near vertical nosedown pitch attitude.
Pilot Background
On his application for a medical certificate, the pilot had denied any record of traffic convictions. However, at the time of his application, he was on probation and had a history of convictions for drunk driving.
Toxicology
The toxicology report indicated that the pilot's vitreous fluid ethanol level was 0.23 percent.