Incident Overview
Two witnesses at the Plattsburg Air Park observed an airplane, registered as N1406F, taxi to the end of runway 18 and perform an engine run-up. According to the witnesses, during the takeoff roll, the airplane exhibited good acceleration and sounded normal. One witness reported that the airplane appeared to have approximately 10 degrees of flaps extended. Neither witness observed the airplane lift off.
Subsequent Discovery
Approximately 20 minutes after witnessing the takeoff roll, the two witnesses departed from Plattsburg Airport for a flight to Cameron, Missouri, and back. The round trip was estimated to take 45 minutes. Upon approach from the south into the Plattsburg Air Park, the witnesses sighted the airplane in a low-lying area approximately 1/4 mile south of the runway.
Examination Findings
A thorough examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies. However, inspection of the instrument panel disclosed that the engine primer was unlocked and extended approximately 1/4 inch. Further examination of the engine and all remaining airplane systems found no additional irregularities.