Flight and Weather Conditions
The pilot was conducting a night cross-country flight when he encountered turbulence and heavy rain. He reported that the darkness and weather conditions caused him to become disoriented.
Pilot's Equipment Issues
The pilot stated that he could not read his magnetic compass because he could not locate his glasses. Additionally, he was unaware of his flight duration because he had lost his watch, and the aircraft's clock was inoperable.
ATC Assistance and Fuel Exhaustion
After flying while disoriented for an unspecified period, the pilot contacted an air traffic control facility for assistance. Approximately five minutes after making contact, the aircraft's fuel supply was exhausted.
Forced Landing and Post-Accident Examination
The pilot initiated a forced landing descent. During the landing, the aircraft contacted the ground hard on the nose gear, causing the aircraft to nose over. Following the accident, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors examined the aircraft. They found less than one cup of fuel remaining in the fuel tanks. No evidence of fuel leakage was discovered.