Flight Details
The pilot departed Parkersburg, West Virginia, for New Carlisle, Ohio, with an estimated 40 gallons of fuel aboard. The flight proceeded without incident until arrival at New Carlisle, which occurred during night conditions.
Diversion to Vandalia
While attempting to land at New Carlisle, the pilot was unable to activate the runway lights by keying the microphone. Consequently, the pilot diverted to Vandalia, Ohio, and landed without further issue.
Manual Activation of Runway Lights
After landing at Vandalia, the pilot made a telephone call to arrange for the runway lights at New Carlisle to be turned on manually. Following a short waiting period, the pilot departed Vandalia for New Carlisle.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
Shortly after taking off from Vandalia, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. The aircraft subsequently crash landed in a soybean field.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspection of the aircraft revealed that both auxiliary (tip) tanks contained fuel. Approximately 5.5 gallons of fuel were found in the right main tank, and 1 pint was present in the left main tank. The fuel line from the engine-driven fuel pump to the carburetor was empty. The fuel selector was positioned to the right main tank, which the pilot reported selecting for takeoff and maintaining throughout the flight until the power loss.