What happened
Prior to departing from Hampton, GA, the pilot requested that both the two main tanks and two auxiliary tanks be topped off. However, the refueler only filled the main tanks. During the flight, the pilot became aware of a low fuel condition.
A passenger noted that the pilot considered landing at Raleigh-Durham for fuel, but due to a radio problem, he continued toward the destination in Newport News, VA. The pilot later decided to divert to Suffolk, VA. Approximately five miles from the Suffolk Municipal Airport, the engine lost power. While maneuvering to land in a field at night, the airplane struck trees. No evidence of fuel was recovered at the crash site.
The investigation
A toxicology test performed on the pilot's blood revealed a concentration of 0.048 mcg/ml of chlorpheniramine, an over-the-counter antihistamine. Additionally, both chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine, an over-the-counter decongestant, were detected in his urine.