Incident Overview
An investigation into a crash involving a twin-engine airplane revealed that the pilot had been performing low-level, high-speed aerobatic maneuvers before the aircraft struck trees and then terrain. The pilot had planned to fly over a friend's home to show the airplane to him and another acquaintance.
Evidence Found at Scene
Following the crash, investigators recovered a 1.75-liter bottle of whiskey from the wreckage. This discovery led to further examination of the pilot's medical and toxicological history.
Pilot's Medical History
A review of the pilot's Federal Aviation Administration medical records indicated a history of alcohol dependence. However, the pilot had reportedly been sober for nearly four years prior to the accident.
Toxicological Results
Toxicological testing of the pilot detected a blood alcohol concentration of 0.252 milligrams of alcohol per deciliter of blood. This level exceeded by more than six times the maximum allowed concentration of 0.040 under Federal Aviation Regulations for individuals operating an aircraft.
Witness Accounts
Multiple witnesses, including the pilot's friends, reported observing the airplane engaging in low-level, high-speed aerobatic maneuvers just before the collision with trees and the subsequent impact with terrain.