There were no known eyewitnesses to the accident. Available evidence reveals that the pilot most probably made a successful landing in the remotely located field and rolled to a stop. The sheriff reported that the engine oil was drained onto the ground at this point. The aircraft was then taxied back 1300 feet and made another turn and stopped. The control wheel was found tied in the rear position with the seat belt. The pilot apparently climbed onto the left wing, opened the throttle by reaching through the opening created by the missing left cockpit window and jumped off onto the ground and apparently was hit with the left stabilator. The aircraft traveled about 50 yards before veering right into rough terrain and stopped. The pilot reportedly called the Mitchell County Sheriff's Office, reported the accident and stated that he was injured. The phone which he reportedly used was located several miles from the accident site. The pilot then disappeared and his whereabouts is still unknown.