Accident Overview
An aircraft took off in the early morning hours into marginal visual flight rules (VFR) and/or instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). No weather briefing, flight plan, or radio communications were recorded by any Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facility. The airplane impacted trees less than 1 mile from the airport and was found 17 days later.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airplane did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. The airplane had been flown by other pilots for about 6 total hours 1 day prior to the accident with no significant discrepancies noted.
Pilot Background and Witness Statements
Witnesses reported that the pilot had at least "one or two" mixed alcoholic beverages before 2100. The medical examiner performed a toxicological analysis on a specimen of muscle tissue to screen for alcohol; the finding was negative. Witness statements indicate that the pilot had been awake for over 18 hours.
Conclusion
The cause of the accident remains undetermined based on the available information.