Event Narrative
The pilot departed from a beach with a heavy load of clams. Shortly after takeoff, he radioed that the aircraft's cargo door had come ajar and the flaps were stuck at the 10-degree position. He continued the flight toward the home strip, which was 1,900 feet long.
Upon arrival, the pilot executed a go-around. Witnesses then observed the aircraft make a steep left turn followed by a right turn. The aircraft subsequently descended from view and crashed into a wooded area.
Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the lower locking rod of the aft cargo door was bent. A 5,000-foot runway was located less than a mile from the home strip.
Toxicology Results
Toxicology testing of the pilot showed a blood alcohol level of 342 mg/dL (0.342%) and a urine alcohol level of 246 mg/dL (0.246%). Additionally, a metabolite of nicotine and doxylamine, an over-the-counter antihistamine sleep aid, were detected in the pilot's blood.