Accident Details
The airplane contacted trees and the terrain while in the airport traffic pattern. No witnesses observed the accident itself, though several witnesses reported seeing the airplane flying in the area prior to the event. One witness noted seeing the airplane touch down on runway 18 but did not observe whether it remained on the ground or performed a touch-and-go.
Flight Path
Data downloaded from a hand-held global positioning system found in the wreckage revealed a track starting near the pilot's departure airport at 1335. The track showed multiple heading changes as the airplane proceeded toward the accident airport. The airplane continued west until reaching the north end of the runway, then turned south and followed the length of the runway before turning east. Subsequently, the track indicated the airplane heading north to a point approximately 2.5 statute miles north of the airport, then turning south back toward the airport. According to the data, the airplane continued on a course varying between 186 and 175 degrees true. During this period, the ground speed decreased from 99 miles per hour to 51 miles per hour. The last data point showed the airplane on a heading of 157 degrees true at a speed of 56 miles per hour.
Wreckage Examination
The airplane came to rest in a wooded area approximately 500 feet east of the runway and about 1,000 feet north of the south end of the runway. The airplane contacted trees approximately 40 feet tall before impacting the ground. The terrain impact occurred at an estimated 45-degree nose-down attitude. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any failure or malfunction of the flight controls or engine that would have resulted in the accident.
Toxicology
Toxicological tests detected Chlorpheniramine, Tetrahydrocannabinol (Marijuana), Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid (Marijuana), Phenylpropanolamine, and Pseudoephedrine in blood and tissue samples.