Pre-Accident Events
Before reaching his destination, the pilot contacted approach control and reported that he was about 40 miles away and was low on fuel. Approximately 10 minutes later, the aircraft ran out of fuel. The pilot stated that he 'could possibly make Ellsworth,' but the controller informed him that Ellsworth Air Force Base was closed for an airshow.
Accident Sequence
The pilot then turned away from the air force base and subsequently crashed while attempting to land in a field. Initial impact was with a tree, after which the aircraft crashed to the ground and came to rest in a creek.
Injuries and Rescue
The pilot's wife suffered a broken leg and was unconscious for five days. She nearly drowned after the plane crashed, but the pilot and another person held her head out of water until she could be extricated from the wreckage.