Flight Details
Two aircraft were returning from an annual pleasure trip with pilots and passengers aboard. Neither aircraft was equipped with a functioning communication radio. Shortly after takeoff, the flights encountered fog. The pilots flew above the weather until nearing their first refueling stop at Greenville, Alabama. Both pilots then descended through breaks in the overcast to locate the airport. One pilot reached Greenville under a variable ceiling, but the other aircraft, N10521, did not arrive.
Wreckage Location
The wreckage of N10521 was found approximately 1.5 miles north of McGowin Airstrip, which is located about 11 miles south of the planned refueling stop. Examination revealed that the aircraft had struck trees while flying along a highway and power line in the direction of the airstrip. No preimpact mechanical problem was discovered.
Weather Observations
The airstrip owner reported seeing an aircraft matching N10521's description on a northerly heading near the time of the accident. He estimated the weather as an overcast ceiling of 800 to 900 feet with visibility of 2 miles in fog and intermittent light rain.
Toxicology Tests
Blood samples from the pilot were tested at two laboratories. One test showed an alcohol level of 0.05%, and the other showed 0.032%. Tests of the pilot's vitreous humor and urine both indicated an alcohol level of 0.08%.