What happened
A flight involving a commercial pilot and one passenger departed from a private grass airstrip in a twin-engine airplane. After approximately ten minutes of flight, the aircraft returned to the departure airfield. During this return, the pilot executed a low pass over the runway, followed by a steep climb and a roll. Following these maneuvers, the aircraft entered a nose-low descent. Although the plane briefly leveled out in an upright position, it subsequently disappeared behind a line of trees and impacted terrain, resulting in two fatalities.
Findings
Investigations into the accident focused on the pilot's physiological state and medical history. Toxicology reports indicated the presence of ethanol, with blood levels measured at 0.185 gm/dl and urine levels at 0.210 gm/dl. While postmortem redistribution was considered, the possibility of impairment due to alcohol ingestion could not be excluded. Additionally, significant levels of diphenhydramine, a sedating antihistamine, were found in cavity blood samples.
Further examination revealed that the pilot had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment related to memory loss approximately eight months prior to the crash. The investigation concluded that the combination of cognitive impairment, the sedative effects of diphenhydramine, and potential ethanol impairment likely contributed to the pilot's decision to attempt unauthorized aerobatic maneuvers at a low altitude in an aircraft not rated for such maneuvers.