Reportedly, the aircraft departed La Grande, OR with 12 gallons of fuel on board and was flown to Baker, OR. Later, the pilot departed Baker on a return flight to La Grande without refueling. Subsequently, the plane was reported as missing. The next day it was found about 10 miles north of Union, OR. An examination revealed that the plane had crashed with minimum forward motion about 1500 ft from an open field. The main landing gear were found in the retracted position and continuity was evident to all control surfaces. One propeller blade was found undamaged in the 12 o-clock position, the other blade was shattered and driven into the ground below the propeller hub. The 12 gallon fuel tank had been destroyed during impact. No fuel was found in the sediment bowl or carburetor and no trace of fuel was found in or near the fuel tank. Rain showers were reported in the vicinity of the accident.