Incident Overview
An aircraft was being used for a return flight with another pilot after that pilot had ferried his own aircraft from Bessemer, Alabama, to Knoxville, Tennessee. The pilot of the returning aircraft estimated that he had sufficient fuel for the return journey. However, since the fixed-base operator (FBO) was busy, he chose to depart without refueling.
Diversion and Engine Failure
While en route, the pilot became concerned about the fuel quantity and decided to divert to Pell City, Alabama. During the descent, the engine stopped running. The pilot then executed a forced landing in a wheat field approximately one-third of a mile from the airport.
Post-Landing Findings
Reportedly, no fuel was found in the aircraft following the landing.