Accident Overview
A pilot, whose instrument currency could not be determined, initiated a takeoff at night in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Shortly after departure, the aircraft crashed approximately 1.5 miles from the departure end of the runway. Evidence indicated the aircraft impacted terrain in an 85-degree right bank, nose-down attitude at high speed.
Investigation Findings
No preimpact part failure was found during the investigation. However, a pre-purchase inspection conducted on October 16, 1990, noted several discrepancies. These included an inoperative flight director, an autopilot malfunction, and a misrigged flight control system that caused the control wheel to indicate a left turn when the aircraft was in level flight. There was no record of these issues being repaired. Additionally, records showed the pitot-static system was last tested on March 24, 1988.
Pilot Medical and Toxicology Information
The pilot was taking Sine-Aid and Tylenol for a chronic sinus infection. Toxicology checks indicated the presence of 50.7 µg/mL of pseudoephedrine and 36.4 µg/mL of acetaminophen in the pilot's urine, but none was found in his blood. The sinus condition could have affected the pilot's balance and equilibrium.