What happened
At approximately 2300, the pilot and passenger departed from a bar located near the airport. Before takeoff, the pair stopped at a gas station to purchase a 12-pack of beer. After departing the airport, the aircraft remained in flight for approximately five to ten minutes before turning back toward the airfield.
During this return flight, the passenger reported that the aircraft suddenly entered a dive. The passenger noted that the pilot made no verbal communication regarding the maneuver and felt pressed down into his seat by the force of the descent. While the passenger believed the pilot was attempting to recover from the dive, the aircraft subsequently collided with trees.
Findings
Post-accident toxicology testing revealed that the pilot's blood alcohol level was 292.000 mg/dL (0.29%). Additionally, investigators detected diphenhydramine in both the pilot's blood and urine, and found a concentration of 9.900 ug/ml of acetaminophen in the pilot's urine.