Accident Details
The accident occurred during a night flight in which the pilot, who was not certificated, was maneuvering the aircraft near a friend's residence. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and descended uncontrolled to the ground. The Investigator in Charge estimated the pilot's total flight experience at 371 hours.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination confirmed flight control and engine continuity. No evidence of any pre-impact mechanical anomalies was found.
Toxicology
Toxicological testing was performed by a medical laboratory, a state crime laboratory, and the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI). All samples tested positive for alcohol. According to Dr. Canfield of CAMI, the detected levels—189.00 mg/dL (0.189%) ethanol in blood, 181.000 mg/dL (0.181%) in vitreous fluid, and 251.000 mg/dL (0.251%) in urine—indicate recent ingestion of alcohol. In his opinion, these levels would cause impairment of the pilot.