Flight Details
A flight departed Millville, New Jersey, en route to Charleston, South Carolina under visual flight rules (VFR). The flight was proceeding toward its destination when conditions changed.
Weather and IFR Filing
Approximately 135 miles northeast of Charleston, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions. In response, the pilot filed and received an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan to continue the flight in controlled airspace.
Fuel Issues
About twelve minutes before the accident, the pilot reported that the fuel gauges had 'dropped out'. Air traffic control provided vectors to the nearest airport. Just prior to the accident, the pilot reported that he was out of fuel and was attempting an emergency landing.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the aircraft wreckage revealed that there was no fuel in the ruptured right wing fuel tank, and less than one gallon of fuel in the left wing fuel tank. The aircraft engine was tested after the accident and operated normally during a test run.