Overview
An airplane on a flight from a remote airstrip failed to reach its intended destination and was reported overdue. The aircraft was discovered nine days later approximately 300 yards southeast of the departure runway, in a steep nose-down attitude.
Flight Details
Prior to departure, the pilot loaded the airplane with 10 five-gallon gasoline cans, bringing an additional 50 gallons of fuel. The aircraft already carried full fuel tanks containing 36 gallons. Additional cargo included 50 pounds of traps and snares and 35 pounds of survival equipment. None of the cargo items were secured in the rear of the airplane. The total gross weight of the airplane was estimated to be 1865 lbs, while its maximum certificated gross weight was 1750 lbs.
Discovery
The airplane was located nine days after being reported overdue, about 300 yards southeast of the departure runway. The aircraft was in a steep nose-down attitude. Upon location, all cargo items were found piled down and around the pilot.