Accident Details
The accident occurred during the initial climb phase of takeoff in dark night conditions. The weather at the time included a 100-foot ceiling and 1/4 mile visibility due to fog. The instrument-rated private pilot, who sustained serious injuries, could not recall the events of the flight.
Aircraft and Flight Information
No discrepancies were found with the aircraft, flight instruments, or engines that would have contributed to the accident. The pilot had obtained a weather briefing and filed an IFR flight plan.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had accumulated 312.8 total flight hours, with 54.2 hours in the accident aircraft. Night flight experience totaled 61 hours (36.9 in the accident aircraft), and actual instrument time was 26.8 hours (19.6 in the accident aircraft).
Toxicology Results
Toxicological analysis of a urine sample subpoenaed from the hospital that treated the pilot was positive for benzoylecgonine (a metabolite of cocaine), ethanol, and cocaethylene (a substance formed when cocaine and alcohol are simultaneously ingested). Benzoylecgonine can be detected in urine for 3 to 5 days after cocaine use. Because blood was not available for testing, it could not be determined how much of each substance was ingested or when ingestion occurred. The pilot stated that he was not under the influence of cocaine or alcohol on the day of the crash.