What happened
During an approach to Charleston Executive Airport (JZI) in South Carolina, the pilot contacted the airport's UNICOM frequency to seek weather information. An airport employee provided wind data indicating 180 degrees at 12 knots, with gusts up to 17 knots. During the radio exchange, the pilot expressed intentions to land on runway 18, though the employee clarified that such a runway did not exist at the facility. The pilot subsequently indicated intentions to use runway 27, and then runway 22.
An observer at the airport noted the aircraft approaching from the southwest, traveling northeast on a path perpendicular to runway 22 at an altitude of roughly 500 feet. The aircraft was observed on a left base for the runway when it overshot the landing strip and entered a tight, low-altitude right turn away from the airport. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a stall and completed two revolutions before disappearing from view.
Findings
Post-accident inspections of the aircraft type's airframe, engine, and flight controls showed no signs of mechanical malfunction or failure prior to the crash. However, toxicology results from the pilot's post-mortem examination revealed the presence of Tramadol, a medication used for pain management, at levels at least twice the maximum regular dose. Additionally, Diphenhydramine was detected in the pilot's system. The presence of these substances may have caused impairment of the pilot's psychomotor abilities during the flight.