Discovery
On November 16, 1984, a hunter discovered the wreckage of an aircraft in a heavily wooded swamp area, approximately 10 months after the accident. The sole occupant, later identified as the pilot, was found deceased; the remains were in a condition that precluded toxicology testing or autopsy.
Background
The pilot had been scheduled to meet the aircraft owner on the morning of January 10, 1984, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When the pilot did not arrive, the owner proceeded to Babin Airport and declared both the pilot missing and the aircraft stolen on January 12, 1984. A search for the aircraft and flight was conducted from January 12 to January 27, but the aircraft was not located until the accidental discovery in November.
Circumstances of the Accident
According to reports, the pilot was seen drinking in two lounges prior to the flight. The accident occurred on the night of January 10, 1984, under poor weather conditions classified as instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), with a low ceiling of 200 feet and visibility of 3 miles in fog. The aircraft crashed approximately 25 miles west of the airport on a westerly heading.