Radio Communications
Witnesses heard the accident pilot calling on the UNICOM frequency. He sounded as though he was having difficulty locating the airport. Another pilot in his vicinity suggested that the accident pilot follow his aircraft to the airport. The accident pilot agreed, but after the other pilot arrived at the airport, the accident pilot still failed to land.
Fuel Situation
Witnesses heard the accident pilot say that he was low on fuel and that he would have to do something. The pilot said he could not find the airport but would land on the highway if necessary. The pilot reported that he was switching tanks, followed by the statements, "We're going to crash, we're going to crash, we're crashing."
Accident Sequence
A witness reported that the aircraft attempted a landing on the interstate, but then began a climbing right turn until it began a descent and crashed. The witness spotted flames and immediately ran to the location.
Witness Observations
The witness described the weather at the accident site as clear but very dark.