Incident Overview
A pilot on a personal instrument flight rules (IFR) cross-country flight encountered forecast icing conditions. The pilot executed a 180-degree turn and diverted to an alternate airfield. According to the pilot, the aircraft accumulated substantial ice on the propeller, wings, and windshield. Full power was required to maintain level flight, and considerable vibration was noted.
Emergency Declaration and Diversion
The pilot declared an emergency and requested vectors to the Hays, Kansas, airport. While en route, the engine quit due to fuel exhaustion approximately 7 miles short of the destination airport. The pilot then performed an emergency landing.
Pilot Qualifications
Investigation revealed that the pilot was not instrument rated, despite operating under IFR flight rules.
Conclusion
The engine failure was attributed to fuel exhaustion. The aircraft sustained substantial icing during the flight, which likely increased fuel consumption. The pilot's decision to fly into forecast icing conditions and the subsequent fuel exhaustion led to the off-airport landing.