Weather Briefing
Before departing on the accident flight, the pilot received a weather briefing. The weather briefer informed the pilot that VFR flight was not recommended due to low ceilings and the freezing level being above 4,000 feet. In response, the pilot stated that he would fly low over the ocean, paralleling the coastline.
Flight Details
The pilot did not file a VFR flight plan. During the flight, the pilot did not communicate with any air traffic control facilities. Radar data showed that the flight initially climbed to 1,000 feet and then descended to 300 feet. The last radar return indicated the airplane at an altitude of 600 feet over the Pacific Ocean, after which it disappeared from radar.
Disappearance
The airplane was reported missing three days after it departed on the accident flight. Subsequent searches did not locate the airplane.
Weather Conditions
A weather study conducted after the disappearance indicated that low clouds and low visibility with fog existed at the time the airplane disappeared from radar.
Search
The airplane was not found.