What happened
The flight originated in Hilton Head, South Carolina, with a destination of Woodstown, New Jersey. During the cruise phase, the pilot encountered significant headwinds that affected the ground speed and fuel consumption rate. Consequently, the decision was made to divert to Salisbury, Maryland, which offered a closer alternative airport.
Upon arrival at Salisbury Regional Airport at 1944 hours, the pilot received weather updates indicating low ceilings and reduced visibility. At 1955 hours, air traffic control instructed the pilot to hold upon reaching a specific clearance limit. The pilot was advised to expect further clearance at 2030 hours.
The pilot experienced difficulty establishing the aircraft on the VOR runway 5 approach. While being vectored for the final approach segment, the situation deteriorated rapidly. At 2046:53, approximately two minutes after being established on the approach, the pilot declared an emergency, stating that the aircraft had exhausted its fuel supply.
During the ensuing emergency landing attempt, the aircraft crashed into wooded terrain located approximately five miles southwest of the airport. The total time airborne was approximately 4.3 hours.
The investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board examined the wreckage and reviewed flight data to determine the sequence of events. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had been airborne for a duration significantly longer than initially planned due to the diversion and subsequent holding pattern. The mechanical examination did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies that would have prevented normal engine operation.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was fuel exhaustion. The combination of headwinds, the unplanned diversion to a less distant airport, and the extended time spent in a holding pattern depleted the fuel reserves. The pilot's difficulty with the approach procedure further delayed the landing, leaving insufficient fuel to complete the maneuver safely.
The crash occurred on wooded terrain near Salisbury Regional Airport. No survivors were reported from this incident.