Background
The aircraft involved in the accident had been parked for approximately 14 months and did not have a current annual inspection when the owner/pilot operated it for a flight. The airport was unattended on the day of the accident, and fuel was not available.
Accident Sequence
No known witnesses observed the aircraft take off. Subsequently, the aircraft impacted in a field located just north of the airport. The aircraft was discovered when a motorist noticed a dust cloud in the field and proceeded to investigate.
Examination Findings
Examination of the crash site revealed that the aircraft impacted just northeast of where it came to rest. The aircraft sustained extensive damage during the impact. Both propeller blades were bent aft, and neither exhibited chordwise polishing or scratches. No usable fuel was found in the aircraft. Although the fuel pump filter was wet, the fuel lines between the gascolator and carburetor were broken, and no fuel was found in the lines or in the electric fuel pump.
Toxicology
Toxicology testing showed no alcohol in the pilot's blood. While the pilot's kidney tissue had an alcohol level of 0.056%, the toxicology report indicated that the alcohol was due to tissue decomposition or contamination.