The pilot arrived at Bullhead City Airport the evening before the accident. Accommodations were unavailable, and the pilot was unable to obtain any sleep before the accident flight. During the evening and early morning, the pilot consumed two beers and two mixed drinks. The last drink was consumed at approximately 0400 hours, about five hours before the accident.
Preflight and Departure
The pilot arrived at the airport at approximately 0830 hours. The aircraft's engine could not be started due to a dead battery. A jump start was provided by the fixed-base operator (FBO). The lineman failed to adequately secure the electrical access door.
Inflight Events
Shortly after liftoff, the electrical access door opened and began to flap. Concerned that the door would detach and strike the windscreen, the pilot reduced engine power to execute a forced landing. Subsequently, the pilot elected to return to the airport.
Accident
During the turn, the pilot failed to maintain airspeed, resulting in a stall. The airplane crashed approximately 500 yards north of the airport.