Incident Overview
On December 25, 1994, at approximately 1325 local time, a pilot signed a pilot authorization form to rent an airplane. Before departure, both wing fuel tanks were filled at the pilot's request. The exact time of departure has not been determined, and there is no evidence of contact with any FAA air traffic control facility.
Witness Report
A witness reported seeing a low-wing airplane flying westbound at about 1800 local, at an altitude of 300 to 500 feet above ground level. The witness stated that the engine was sputtering as the airplane flew over his house.
Flight Details
The missing airplane did not return to the departure airport. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) existed in the area at the time of departure. The airplane had been flown on a flight prior to the missing flight, and the pilot reported that the engine and airplane operated normally. The only discrepancy noted was that the No. 1 communication radio was inoperative.