Flight and Fuel Stop
The pilot departed Sioux Falls (FSD), South Dakota, with main fuel tanks full and auxiliary tanks filled to approximately two inches below the filler necks. The destination was Indianapolis (IND), Indiana, to attend the Indy 500 race. Due to heavy traffic, an arrival reservation program was in effect at IND. An unscheduled stop was made at Crawfordsville (CFJ), about 35 nautical miles northwest of IND. At CFJ, the pilot ordered fuel and contacted the Flight Service Station for a new arrival time. However, the pilot did not visually check the fuel quantity before takeoff.
Approach and Fuel Problem
While being vectored for an ILS approach to runway 31 at Indianapolis, the pilot reported a major fuel problem. Witnesses heard the engine(s) losing power. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft to land in a sports field. However, the aircraft impacted short of the field, striking a stump, a stack of bricks, and fencing or a backstop before coming to rest in a fire.
Post-Accident Examination
No preimpact mechanical problem was found. The flaps and landing gear were found in the retracted position. The fixed-base operator (FBO) at Crawfordsville stated that only the outboard (auxiliary) tanks were serviced with 55 gallons of fuel, per the pilot's instructions; the main tanks were not serviced. The fuel selectors were found positioned to the main tanks. Fuel samples tested normal, although the fuel attendant indicated the presence of possible jet fuel.