Incident Details
According to a witness report and radar data, the airplane approached the runway at a speed higher than normal. As the airplane leveled off at a low altitude over the runway, the propeller began striking the runway surface. The repetitive propeller strikes caused damage that resulted in a loss of thrust and airspeed necessary for continued flight. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground and caught fire.
Postaccident Findings
Examination of the wreckage after the accident confirmed that the airplane was configured with the landing gear and flaps retracted. No mechanical anomalies were observed that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. Weight and balance estimates indicated that the pilot was operating the airplane outside of its certified weight and center of gravity limits.
Toxicology Results
Forensic toxicology performed on the pilot showed the presence of Hydrocodone and Dihydrocodeine, which are indicative of the pilot using disqualifying sedating cough or pain medications. These medications can impair performance in high workload environments. The level of medication found in the pilot’s blood at the time of the accident could not be determined. Additionally, Nortriptyline was detected in the pilot’s tissues. While the medications could have had degrading effects on the pilot’s performance, the investigation was not able to determine what role they may have played in the accident sequence.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the pilot's demonstration of poor judgment by attempting a high-speed pass several feet above the runway and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from the runway.