Arrival and Weather Briefing
On the evening of August 28, 1983, the pilot landed at Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Thunderstorms were reported in the area at that time. Fuel was available at Lawrenceburg only during daylight hours. At 0203 the following morning, the pilot contacted the Muscle Shoals Flight Service Station (FSS), obtained a weather briefing, and filed an IFR flight plan. He departed Lawrenceburg at approximately 0250.
Approach and Missed Approach
During the arrival to land at Spirit of St. Louis Airport (now known as Spirit of St. Louis Airport, although the source uses the historical name), the pilot was advised that the weather conditions included a sky partially obscured, visibility of 1/8 mile with fog and haze, and calm winds. Additionally, the outer marker locator was reported out of service. The pilot flew an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach but executed a missed approach.
Diversion and Fuel Exhaustion
The pilot began to divert to Weiss Airport, approximately 12 miles away. However, the engine began losing power due to low fuel. Vectors were provided back to Spirit of St. Louis Airport, and the pilot attempted another landing. Subsequently, the engine quit running, and the aircraft impacted the ground in a nose-down, right-wing-low attitude. No fuel was found in the wing tanks or engine fuel lines.
Circumstances
The pilot was due to be at work at 0600, and his transportation was located at Spirit of St. Louis Airport.