Accident Sequence
The pilot and a friend entered a nightclub around midnight, where, according to the friend, they "had a few drinks...probably 5 or so." After leaving the nightclub at about 0300, the two drove back to the friend's home. Around 0500, the pilot decided to fly the airplane back to its home base.
While en route, witnesses observed the airplane "circling charter fishing boats 2 or 3 times at low level, approximately 2-3 feet above the water." During the last low pass, the airplane executed a "sharp" left turn, and the left wing struck the water. The impact caused the airplane to break into two pieces and sink in approximately 150 feet of water.
Recovery and Toxicology
Two days after the accident, the pilot's remains were recovered. An autopsy performed by the Medical Examiner reported the pilot's blood alcohol level as 0.07%. The FAA Toxicology and Accident Research Laboratory's final forensic toxicology report indicated the ethanol concentration in the pilot's blood was 59 mg/dL (0.059%). Both levels exceed the limit of 0.04% by weight or more alcohol in the blood, as established by FAA regulation FAR 91.17. That regulation also prohibits acting as a crewmember within 8 hours after consuming any alcoholic beverage.
No additional details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or location of the accident were provided in the source.