What happened
The pilot departed under clear weather conditions but did not obtain a weather briefing prior to departure. While near the intended refueling destination, the flight encountered fog. In an attempt to proceed away from the fog, the pilot reported that the engine quit. The aircraft subsequently touched down in a clearing, where it yawed to the left and collided with trees.
Following the accident, the pilot left the site. A sheriff's deputy observed the pilot at a pay phone later that morning, but the pilot fled upon seeing the deputy.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft later that afternoon. The inspection revealed that the fuel tank contained approximately one gallon of fuel, though two full 5-gallon fuel containers were located in the cockpit. Investigators also noted that vegetation was wrapped around the crankshaft aft of the propeller. During the investigation, a drug-sniffing dog was brought to the accident site; while the dog alerted to the aircraft, no drugs were discovered.