Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot initiating VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing, his lack of sleep, and the existing weather conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot took off in the early morning hours into marginal VFR and/or IMC conditions. No weather briefing, flight plan, or radio communications were recorded by any FAA facility. The airplane impacted trees less than 1 mi from the airport, and was found 17 days later. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any pre=impact mechanical malfunctions. The airplane was flown by other pilots for about 6 hrs total time 1 day prior to the accident with no significant discrepancies noted. Witnesses reported that the pilot had at least 'one or two' mixed alcoholic beverages before 2100. The medical examiner performed a toxicological analysis on a specimen of muscle tissue to screen for alcohol - the finding was negative. Witness statements indicate that the pilot had been awake for over 18 hrs.
Source record
Factual narrative
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