Flight Path
The accident airplane approached the Niagara Falls area from the south and completed four 360-degree turns in the vicinity of the falls. The pilot then contacted air traffic control and requested VFR flight following services for the return trip. The airplane established an approximate southwesterly ground track and proceeded directly over the open waters of Lake Erie. About 4 minutes after crossing the shoreline, the airplane began to drift from its established course. It turned to and away from the course before initiating a 270-degree turn and disappearing from radar. During the final portion of the flight, the airplane's altitude varied between 4,400 feet and 4,700 feet.
Weather Conditions
Examination of visible satellite images taken just before dark revealed the presence of haze over Lake Erie. Infrared satellite images captured around the time of the accident indicated that clouds existed with tops between 5,000 and 6,000 feet. Upper air data and high-resolution computer model soundings showed a possible cloud layer between 4,200 and 8,400 feet. Additionally, the sun had set more than an hour prior to the accident, and the moon did not rise until 2 1/2 hours after the accident.
Toxicological Findings
Toxicological testing performed on the pilot revealed levels of volatiles consistent with post-mortem ethanol production.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the recovered wreckage revealed no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions.