Incident Overview
A witness reported observing an aircraft land on runway 28, then take off again. After lift-off, the aircraft accelerated over the runway and climbed in an extreme nose-high attitude. While still climbing, it suddenly rolled to the right and pitched forward. The aircraft continued in a nose-low, steep descent until it disappeared from view.
Previous Flight Observations
A flight instructor (CFI) had observed the pilot on a previous takeoff. The CFI stated that during that flight, the pilot pulled the aircraft's nose up until the aircraft almost stalled, then leveled off. The CFI warned the pilot, but the pilot replied that he had only slowed to 50 knots.
Pilot Background
The pilot was scheduled to surrender his pilot's certificate for a 120-day suspension following a second conviction for motor vehicle violations related to driving under the influence (DUI).
Toxicology Results
Toxicology tests of the pilot's blood revealed: 113 mg/dL (0.113%) ethanol, 0.862 mcg/mL methamphetamine, 0.032 mcg/mL amphetamine, 0.005 mcg/mL tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid, and an unreported level of tetrahydrocannabinol. Tests also showed 164 mg/dL (0.164%) ethanol in urine and 143 mg/dL (0.143%) ethanol in vitreous fluid. A test of the passenger's blood showed 0.009 mcg/mL tetrahydrocannabinol, 0.028 mcg/mL tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid, 0.878 mcg/mL methamphetamine, and 0.092 mcg/mL amphetamine.