Accident Overview
Witnesses observed a twin-engine airplane in a "slightly nose-down flat spin" prior to impact. Other witnesses reported hearing a "sputter or cough" and a "faint stall-out" that directed their attention to the "spiraling" airplane. Ground signatures and wreckage distribution were consistent with a vertical impact in a flat attitude.
Fuel and Flight Details
The main fuel tanks were topped off with 70.2 gallons of fuel for a 534 nautical mile cross-country flight. The amount of fuel in the auxiliary fuel tanks at the time of departure could not be determined. Both fuel selectors were found between the AUX and OFF positions.
Mechanical Examination
No anomalies were noted during engine runs of both engines, and control continuity was established to all flight controls.
Toxicology Results
Toxicology findings were positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine, chlorpheniramine, phenylpropanolamine, ephedrine, and salicylate. In the opinion of Dr. Canfield, Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI), the levels of both methamphetamine and amphetamine detected in the pilot and passenger were very high and would have caused impairment in performance in the cockpit.