Incident Overview
An unauthorized flight ended with an aircraft discovered abandoned on a taxiway adjacent to the runway. The incident came to light after air traffic control lost visual contact with the airplane following a landing clearance.
Sequence of Events
According to the investigation, the airplane was last cleared to land by air traffic control during what was later determined to be an unauthorized flight. After the clearance, the controller lost visual contact with the aircraft and made an unsuccessful attempt to establish communication. The airplane was subsequently found deserted on the taxiway, just off the runway.
Aircraft Condition
Examination of the wreckage revealed skid marks beginning approximately 600 feet from the runway threshold and ending at the location where the aircraft came to rest. The left main landing gear had collapsed, causing the airplane to rest on its left wing. Both propeller blades were bent and curled, indicating impact with the ground while under power.
Investigation Findings
The pilot was never located during the investigation. The owner of the aircraft reported that the airplane must have been stolen, confirming that the flight was unauthorized.