What happened
The pilot and three acquaintances departed on a pleasure flight shortly after midnight. At the time of departure, the ceiling and visibility were below approach minimums. The aircraft crashed near the airport with indications of engine power and electrical power at impact.
Several members of the group had been drinking beer before arriving at the airport. Numerous beer cans were found in and about the wreckage. The pilot's toxicological report remarked 79 mg/dL (0.079%) ethanol in the blood, 77 mg/dL in vitreous fluid, 89 mg/dL in bile, and 110 mg/dL in urine.
Findings
The flight was conducted under visual flight rules despite weather conditions that were below instrument approach minima. The presence of alcohol in the pilot's system suggests impairment as a contributing factor to the accident. The crash occurred during the initial climb phase after takeoff.
4 fatal
Safety message
Pilots must ensure they are not under the influence of alcohol before operating an aircraft. Weather conditions should be carefully evaluated prior to departure, and flights should not be conducted if visibility or ceiling is below safe operational limits.