Sequence of Events
The pilot had landed the aircraft on a highway the day before the accident due to a low fuel state. On the morning of the accident, he purchased 10 gallons of fuel and planned to fly the aircraft to a nearby airport.
Takeoff and Accident
According to highway patrol officers at the scene, when the pilot took off from the highway, the prevailing visibility was less than 1,500 feet. The pilot circled the accident area two times before the aircraft crashed about 0.3 mile west of the departure area.
Witness Observations
Ground witnesses reported that the engine sound abruptly cut out for about two seconds and then transitioned to a high-power engine sound. The airplane crashed approximately 100 feet north of some telephone wires.
Postaccident Findings
Examination of the wreckage after the accident disclosed evidence of high power at impact and no evidence of any preexisting malfunctions or failures.