Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot misjudged his distance and altitude during final approach as a result of his alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgement. A factor which contributed to the accident was the dark night.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The time of departure was not determined. However, the passengers were known to be at their place of employment until 2200. The wreckage was found the next morning in the edge of a corn field near the airport. The wreckage was distributed on a heading of 083 deg and was aprx 1 mi from the approach end of runway 8. The terrain elevation at the accident site is aprx 200 ft above the elevation of the approach end of the runway. The landing gear was extended, and the landing light switch was turned to the on position. The throttle was in the full forward position. The toxicological report on the pilot showed a blood ethanol level of 98 mg/dl.
Source record
Factual narrative
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