What happened
A pilot took an aircraft for flight after it had remained parked for 14 months. The aircraft did not have a current annual inspection at the time of the flight. No witnesses observed the aircraft during its takeoff. Following the departure, the aircraft impacted a field located just north of the airport. The wreckage was discovered by a motorist who investigated a dust cloud seen in the field.
The investigation
An examination of the crash site determined that the aircraft had impacted the ground just northeast of its final resting position. The impact resulted in extensive damage to the airframe. Investigators noted that both propeller blades were bent aft, and neither blade exhibited chordwise polishing or scratches.
Regarding the fuel system, no usable fuel was found within the aircraft. While the fuel pump filter was wet and the lines between the gascolator and the carburetor were broken, no fuel was present in the electric fuel pump or the lines. The accident occurred on a day when the airport was unattended and no fuel services were available.
A toxicology report was conducted on the pilot. While kidney tissue showed an alcohol level of 0.056%, the report concluded this was due to tissue decomposition or contamination, noting that no alcohol was present in the pilot's blood.