Accident Overview
The aircraft departed from an uncontrolled airport, and its takeoff was not observed. The owner/pilot did not receive any air traffic control services during the flight. When the pilot's son, who was on board, failed to return home, his family became concerned and initiated a search.
Discovery
Three days later, the son's body washed up on a Pacific Ocean beach, approximately nine miles south of where the aircraft had been based and was last observed. Near the body, a wheel and a seat cushion were also found. The time of the accident was not determined. No additional wreckage has been located, and the body of the owner/pilot remains missing.
Toxicological Evidence
Toxicological testing of the son's body did not indicate the presence of cyanide or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Pilot Certificates
Both the father and son occupants possessed expired student pilot certificates.
Aircraft Maintenance and ELT
The aircraft had been maintained on an annual inspection program. The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) battery replacement date was current; however, no ELT signal was received.