Incident Details
A pilot landed at an airfield west of Elgin, Illinois, after departing from Aurora Municipal Airport. There, he picked up two passengers and then departed for Elkhart, Indiana. While en route, the pilot observed an illuminated low fuel light and decided to make a precautionary landing in an open field approximately three miles southwest of Michiana Regional Airport in South Bend, Indiana.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, substantial aircraft damage occurred during the flare and subsequent hard landing. The pilot did not report any injuries to himself or the passengers.
Inspection Findings
An Indiana State Police aircraft accident report noted that the aircraft's gas tank was found empty following the landing. No other issues were reported.