Accident Overview
On the day of the accident, a pilot and two passengers departed on a local flight with the intention of returning in two hours. When the aircraft did not return as expected, search and rescue operations were initiated. The wreckage was located the following afternoon in a dense forested area approximately 32 miles southwest of the destination.
Witness Account
A hunter who was in the general vicinity on the day of the accident reported observing the airplane approach from the south and circle an area to the northwest in a deliberate manner. Concerned by the aircraft's low altitude over hilly terrain, the witness noted, "...it looked very slow, almost at stall speed, with the tail lower than the front of the airplane." The hunter listened for any sign of engine trouble but stated, "...it was smooth and powerful." The witness saw the airplane disappear over trees to the east, and about 10 to 15 minutes later it returned overhead, proceeding east again until it was out of sight. The hunter later learned that the observed aircraft was the one involved in the accident.
Aircraft Examination
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed no anomalies that would preclude normal operations.
Investigation Status
The investigation did not establish a probable cause for the accident.