Accident Investigation: Pilot Experienced Sudden Descent in Traffic Pattern (N56349)

Incident Overview and Witness Accounts A witness observed the aircraft as it entered the traffic pattern. According to the witness, the aircraft exhibited a bouncing and rolling motion, wobbling from side to side before descending abruptly toward the ground. The airport manager estimated that the winds were from the southeast and gusting to approximately thirty knots. ## Aircraft Condition and Pilot Background An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact malfunction. The pilot had been issued a private pilot certificate seven months prior to the accident. At the time of application, the pilot listed 64.7 total flight hours. ## Toxicological Findings Toxicological tests revealed 0.021 ug/mL chlorpheniramine and 0.098 ug/mL diphenhydramine in the blood specimen. The therapeutic levels for these substances are 0.016-0.070 ug/mL and 0.100 ug/mL, respectively. Chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine are active ingredients in many nonprescription cold and allergy medications and can cause drowsiness.