What happened
The aircraft was operating en route when it encountered an unexpected loss of engine power. The pilot determined that the cause was low fuel or fuel exhaustion. In response, the pilot initiated a diversion to Reigle Field for landing.
During the initial approach to the airport, the pilot's descent profile was too shallow and long, resulting in a go-around. On the second attempt, the aircraft remained high and long on final approach, prompting another go-around. During the downwind leg of the third landing attempt, the engine quit completely. Unable to maintain altitude or reach the runway, the pilot executed an emergency forced landing in an adjacent cornfield.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical status of the aircraft and the sequence of events leading to the landing. Examination confirmed that the engine failure was consistent with fuel exhaustion. No mechanical anomalies unrelated to fuel supply were identified as contributing factors.