Incident Overview
According to the official investigation, the pilot landed at a closed airport while en route to his destination. He informed witnesses at the airport that thunderstorms at his destination prompted his decision to stop. After rebounding the airplane, he departed. Shortly thereafter, the airplane was observed flying at approximately 100 feet above ground level in an area about 5 miles north of the closed airport.
Witness Account
Witnesses traveling in a van reported that they saw the airplane drop below a tree line and then reappear. As the airplane passed parallel to the van, it entered a steep right turn and then descended nose-down into the ground.
Investigation Findings
No evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction was found. The pilot's certificate had been issued under an alias, which the DEA and Customs Service indicated the pilot had used over the years. Toxicological analysis of the pilot's liver tissue revealed 0.32 milligrams per liter of methaqualone (Quaalude).