What happened
Severe weather conditions, specifically thunderstorms and lightning in the vicinity of the departure airport, prevented the crew from refueling the aircraft. This weather-related obstruction resulted in a significant delay before the flight could depart.
During the en route phase, the Louisville (LOU) VOR was reported out of service. Consequently, air traffic control provided radar vectors until the flight was cleared direct to Lexington (LEX) for the approach. At the time this clearance was issued, the aircraft was located 25 nautical miles west-northwest of the destination airport and north of the planned route.
Both approach control and the tower at Lexington were closed for the night. Although the VOR and ILS at the destination were reported operational, and another company aircraft had landed there earlier, ATC observed this flight descending from its assigned altitude prior to reaching the destination. Attempts by ATC to contact the crew failed, prompting a request for assistance from another aircraft's crew, which was also unsuccessful.
Shortly after receiving approach clearance, the crew spotted an airport with runway lights illuminated. They entered the traffic pattern and landed at this location, which turned out to be 17 nautical miles from their scheduled destination.