Incident Overview
A pilot operating under visual flight rules (VFR) departed from Wichita, Kansas, en route to Rogers, Arkansas. During the flight, the pilot contacted Tulsa Flight Service Station (FSS) to obtain weather information. The FSS advised that VFR flight was not recommended due to prevailing instrument flight rules (IFR) weather conditions in the destination area. Despite lacking an instrument rating, the pilot elected to continue the flight.
Sequence of Events
The pilot arrived at the destination after dark and attempted to land. Witnesses near the airport reported hearing the aircraft fly over their homes before hearing the sound of the crash. A search was initiated, and the wreckage was found approximately 1.5 miles south-southeast of the airport.
Impact Evidence
Initial impact was with trees, with the aircraft on a magnetic heading of 160 degrees. Evidence indicated the aircraft was in a 50-degree right bank and a steep nose-down attitude at the time of the crash. The aircraft was extensively damaged during the impact.
Aircraft Condition
Post-accident examination revealed no preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft.
Weather Conditions
Approximately 21 miles south-southeast at Fayetteville, Arkansas, the 1950 weather observation reported: 600-foot obscured ceiling, 1 statute mile visibility with fog and drizzle, and wind from 180 degrees at 8 knots.
Toxicology
Ethanol was detected in the pilot's kidney fluid and bile; however, there was evidence of possible decomposition or contamination of the samples.