Flight Plan and Weather
According to the pilot, visual meteorological conditions (VMC) were forecast for both his destination, Gunnison, Colorado, and his alternate, Montrose, Colorado. Pertinent AIRMETs issued prior to and during the flight forecast occasional instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions and mountain obscuration for the accident vicinity.
In-Flight Decisions
During the flight, the pilot determined that the headwinds were stronger than forecast, resulting in increased fuel usage. He decided to continue to Gunnison based on inflight information that VMC prevailed at that location.
Arrival at Gunnison
Upon arriving at Gunnison, the pilot encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and executed an ILS approach. The approach was missed, and he subsequently diverted to his alternate, Montrose.
Diversion to Montrose
En route to Montrose, the pilot advised air traffic control (ATC) that he was low on fuel. He crossfed the left engine from the right fuel tank because the left tank was empty.
Final Approach and Landing
The pilot made an ILS approach to Montrose. At decision height, the runway environment was not in sight. Due to the critical fuel state, poor weather conditions, and surrounding high terrain, the pilot elected to land in a field he had sighted. The airplane touched down in mud and nosed over.