Background
On the evening of November 15, 2001, a pilot and a friend attended a musical show in Biloxi, Mississippi. Each had flown their own aircraft from their homes to Ocean Springs Airport for the event. After the performance, they visited with the cast and crew, during which the accident pilot may have consumed some beer and wine. They later drove to the airport, stopping at a convenience store. Both pilots conducted pre-flight inspections and departed around 0100 on November 16, with the accident pilot departing first.
Flight
The accident pilot initially flew north, then turned to a course of 300 degrees toward McComb, Mississippi. The friend, communicating via radio, noted that the accident aircraft appeared further north and at a lower altitude than expected. The accident pilot mentioned having a sticky altimeter. He then turned and positioned himself about a mile behind the friend. The friend reported an alternator over-voltage indication, and the accident pilot agreed to follow him to McComb. Approaching McComb, the accident pilot reported being behind the friend, but the friend could not see him visually. When the friend was on a one-mile final approach, he informed the accident pilot, who asked to be called when on the ground. The friend landed and called, but received no response.
Search and Discovery
When the accident pilot did not appear for a musical show in Ocean Springs on the evening of November 16, the friend reported him missing to an FAA Flight Service Station. Search efforts were initiated, and the accident aircraft and pilot were located on November 30, 2001, at approximately 1630.
Examination
Radar data indicated that the accident aircraft (registration N89645) departed Ocean Springs Airport at about 0104, followed by the friend's aircraft (N739LV) about one minute later. The aircraft flew similar courses until the friend began turns related to the alternator issue. The accident aircraft made various turns and descents near Poplarville, Mississippi. The last radar return was at 0153:14. Post-crash examination revealed the aircraft struck a tree, separating the outboard right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and right main landing gear wheel. It continued across a river and came to rest on the river bank. Examination of the aircraft structure, flight controls, engine, and propeller showed no evidence of pre-crash failure or malfunction.