Accident Overview
During a night cross-country flight, the pilot terminated visual flight rules (VFR) flight following with air traffic control approximately 20 miles before reaching the intended destination. About four hours later, the destination airport manager was notified of an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal in the vicinity. A search of the airport area did not locate the ELT, but a continuing search subsequently found the accident airplane roughly 1.8 miles east of the airport.
Accident Site and Aircraft Damage
Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane impacted the ground and traveled 505 feet before coming to rest. The engine separated from the fuselage and continued for 693 feet before stopping. No eyewitnesses to the accident were reported, though fog was reported in the area at the time of the accident.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate but was not instrument rated. A preflight briefing was obtained about 12 hours before the flight. The pilot's logbook indicated the last recorded night flight was on January 14, 2001, and the last logged simulated instrument conditions flight was on November 7, 1999.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no structural or mechanical anomalies.
Toxicological Findings
The FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute toxicology report detected 7.65 mg/dL of acetaminophen in urine. Chlorpheniramine was detected in both blood and urine. According to the FAA Southwest Regional Flight Surgeon, chlorpheniramine is found in allergy and cold preparations and is sometimes combined with acetaminophen (Tylenol). It may cause significant drowsiness and is not recommended for use while performing safety-sensitive activities.