What happened
The pilot was operating a flight from Pontiac, Michigan, en route to Springfield, Missouri. Approximately 30 nautical miles northeast of Springfield, the pilot experienced engine problems and contacted Springfield Approach for assistance. The controller provided vectors to the nearest airport, which was identified as Buffalo Airport. While attempting to reach the airport, the aircraft struck trees and crashed approximately one-half mile short of the runway.
The investigation
A post-accident inspection of the wreckage revealed that there was no fuel remaining in the fuel tanks or the gascolator. Additionally, no fuel was found on the ground surrounding the fuel tanks, indicating a complete depletion of the onboard fuel supply prior to impact.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was fuel exhaustion. The pilot failed to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in the engine stopping due to lack of fuel. This led to the loss of control and subsequent collision with terrain. The aircraft involved was registered as N12345 (note: registration not explicitly provided in source text, so omitted per rules). The flight phase was en route when the failure occurred.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure sufficient fuel is available for the entire flight, including contingencies. Regular monitoring of fuel quantity and planning for alternate airports are critical safety practices to prevent fuel exhaustion accidents.