Flight Departure and Fuel State
The pilot departed Bowling Green with a listed 5.0 hours of fuel on board. After 3 hours and 35 minutes of flight, the pilot arrived over the destination. Approximately 30 minutes prior to arrival, the right fuel tank had exhausted. The pilot stated that the other tank was about half full at that time.
Weather and Holding
Fifteen minutes after the right tank exhaustion, the pilot requested the first weather update at the destination. The weather was at minimums. After arrival over the airport reference point (ARP), the expected further clearance (EFC) time was about 25 minutes later. At the EFC, the pilot was cleared to approach control and told to expect further clearance (EFC) one hour later. The pilot indicated that he could not hold that long.
Request for Priority
The pilot requested that approach control 'leap frog' him past other traffic, but the request was denied. The pilot then requested a diversion to another airport and was cleared to Valdosta. However, the pilot was told that approach gave him two other choices: stay in the pattern or declare an emergency and be worked in. The pilot requested priority instead of an emergency, but was denied. The pilot was subsequently cleared for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach.
Engine Failure and Landing
At 1821, the pilot radioed, 'my eng just quit.' He then radioed the tower that he had hit some wires and was down off the airport but was OK. Total flight time was about 4 hours and 40 minutes.