Summary
A pilot and passenger departed White Plains, New York, on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Search efforts were initiated when the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination. The wreckage was located by Civil Air Patrol personnel on November 5.
Accident Details
A witness at a hunting camp near the crash site reported seeing the aircraft in a steep descent and hearing it impact the ground. Investigation revealed that the aircraft struck the ground at a high velocity in a descent of 45 to 60 degrees.
Investigation
Examination of the wreckage found no evidence of a preimpact failure or malfunction of the aircraft's structure, flight control system, or powerplant.
Medical Information
The pilot had been hospitalized for gallbladder surgery in September 1987 and was taking prescription medication to reduce stomach acid at the time of the accident. However, no evidence of pilot incapacitation was found.