Preflight and Weather Briefing
At 1404, the pilot, who was not rated to fly under instrument flight rules, contacted a Flight Service Station requesting weather information for a planned flight from Parkersburg, West Virginia, to Lawrence, Massachusetts. The weather briefer advised the pilot of low ceilings and reduced visibility in the vicinity of the destination. The pilot indicated that he might need to divert around the adverse weather.
Departure and Flight
The pilot filled the aircraft's fuel tanks to capacity and departed from Parkersburg (PKB). A flight plan was not filed. The aircraft was equipped with an IFR Low Enroute chart and a trip sheet, consistent with an intended instrument flight rules (IFR) operation. However, no approach plates were recovered from the wreckage.
Accident and Witnesses
Witnesses located near the accident site reported hearing an airplane flying at low altitude, followed by the sound of an impact. The wreckage was subsequently examined.
Wreckage Examination
Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunctions in the wreckage. Notably, no fuel was present in the aircraft's fuel tanks. A trip sheet and IFR Low Enroute charts were recovered; these documents were consistent with an IFR flight from Parkersburg to Lawrence.
Fuel Endurance Analysis
According to the airplane manufacturer, the aircraft's endurance at a power setting of 2,500 rpm and an altitude of 7,500 feet is 4 hours and 26 minutes. The duration of the accident flight was approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, slightly exceeding the published endurance.