Accident Overview
A single-engine airplane struck the ground in a right wing low, nose low attitude after the pilot lost control and stalled the aircraft. The commercial pilot had obtained his instrument airplane flight instructor rating the day before the accident. He was accompanied by a passenger on a cross-country flight conducted under visual flight rules (VFR).
Flight and Weather Conditions
The departure airport was reporting VFR conditions at the time of departure. However, weather observations near the accident site indicated instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with low ceilings.
Witness Observations
Witnesses who observed the accident stated that the airplane was flying low over an interstate highway. They believed the pilot was attempting to land on the road. The witnesses described the airplane's wings as "shaking or vibrating" and "moving side to side" before the aircraft executed a sharp right turn and descended to the ground.
Examination and Toxicology
A post-accident examination of the airplane and engine found no pre-impact anomalies that would have affected normal operation. Toxicological tests on the pilot revealed the presence of at least two substances: a multisymptom cold reliever and a nutritional supplement. Specifically, dextromethorphan and its metabolites, doxylamine, ephedrine and its metabolites, and acetaminophen were detected in the pilot's system. Some of these drugs have known impairing side effects, while others act as stimulants.