What happened
The aircraft departed Lansing, Illinois, at approximately 2200 Eastern Standard Time on a flight destined for Columbus, Georgia. Although the crew had initially planned a refueling stop in either Bowling Green or Nashville, they proceeded without stopping. During the en route phase of the flight, the pilots became disoriented regarding their exact position.
At approximately 0303 EST, the aircrew contacted Atlanta Center and requested mileage information to Chattanooga. About twenty-five minutes later, at 0328, center controllers informed them that the aircraft was located approximately 28 miles northwest of Chattanooga. Recognizing the critical situation, the crew requested clearance for a straight-in approach due to low fuel states.
Shortly thereafter, the aircrew transmitted that they had exhausted all fuel and would be unable to reach the airport. The aircraft subsequently attempted a forced landing in darkness. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with trees before coming to rest in a parking lot.
Findings
The investigation highlighted several critical factors leading to the accident. The primary issue was the decision to continue the flight without refueling despite the long distance between departure and destination. Contributing to the severity of the outcome was the crew's uncertainty about their position during the night flight, which delayed timely intervention.
The failure to monitor fuel quantities effectively resulted in fuel exhaustion. This mechanical state left the engines unable to produce power, forcing an emergency landing in an unprepared area. The collision with trees during the forced landing indicates a loss of control or inability to maintain sufficient altitude due to the lack of engine power.