Incident Overview
Approximately 20 miles from Paducah (PAH), a pilot contacted a Flight Service Station (FSS) reporting low fuel and intending to land at PAH. The pilot was informed that the fixed-base operator (FBO) at PAH was closed for the night and that fuel was available only with a $25 call-out fee. Additionally, the pilot was told that fuel was available at nearby Farrington Airpark (KY29), which was open from sunset to sunrise. The pilot elected to continue to KY29, located about 12 miles beyond PAH.
Sequence of Events
Upon arrival at KY29, the pilot saw the airport beacon but was unable to see the runway. While maneuvering to locate the runway, the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion. Subsequently, the aircraft was landed in trees and came to rest nose down above the terrain.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed that the runway lighting hours at KY29 had been changed to turn off the lights around midnight. According to the Airport/Facility Directory, operating hours for the runway lights were from sunset to sunrise. However, airport management personnel for KY29 had not notified the FAA of the change.