What happened
On January 31, 1983, at approximately 21:34 CST, N12345 departed Grand Island, Nebraska, on an instrument flight rules (IFR) plan to Toledo, Ohio. The aircraft carried approximately 125 gallons of fuel. During the flight, the pilot received updated weather reports for Toledo, which showed indefinite ceilings at 100 feet with visibility between one and one-half miles in rain and fog, alongside rapidly falling pressure.
Consequently, the pilot diverted to an alternate airport at Fort Wayne, Indiana. At that time, conditions there were reported as 400-foot overcast ceilings with three miles visibility in light rain and fog. However, by the time the aircraft arrived in the Fort Wayne area, the ceiling had dropped to 200 feet overcast. The pilot was cleared for an approach to Fort Wayne Municipal Airport. Although the tower was closed, runway lights were set to bright.
At approximately 02:12 CST, roughly three hours and 48 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft collided with trees and impacted the ground about 1.5 miles northeast of the airport on a heading of 120 degrees. There were 2 fatal injuries among those aboard.
The investigation
An examination of the engine revealed no discrepancies that would have prevented normal operation. Extensive damage was found to the fuel system. The exact amount of fuel remaining at impact could not be determined, but a passenger reported having four hours of fuel and a reserve prior to the diversion.
Findings
The primary factor leading to this accident was fuel exhaustion. The pilot failed to ensure sufficient fuel for the flight, particularly after diverting due to weather. Contributing factors included the deteriorating weather conditions at the alternate airport and the decision to continue the approach despite low ceilings.