Accident
An airplane departed from Knoxville-McGee Tyson Airport for a local flight. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot lost control, and the airplane entered a dive, crashing into an open field in Alcoa, south of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed, and both occupants were killed.
Investigation
The investigation determined that the pilot was intoxicated. A blood alcohol concentration of 2,52‰ was measured. The following factors were reported: alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgment, icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain, stolen aircraft or unauthorized flight, fog, missed visual approach to the airport under ravec, and unauthorized use of aircraft.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was an uncontrolled descent after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed due to physical impairment. The factors listed above were reported in connection with the accident.