Departure and Initial Flight
The pilot departed Baltimore, Maryland, under visual flight rules (VFR) at approximately 0746 to obtain fuel locally before continuing a cross-country flight to Florida. No flight plan was filed, and no weather briefing was obtained prior to departure.
Encounter with Instrument Conditions
After departure, the pilot was unable to land and encountered instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions. He then filed an IFR flight plan to Florida. En route, the pilot diverted to another airport for fuel.
Approach Attempts and Engine Loss
Cleared for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach, the pilot was informed prior to beginning the approach that weather was below minimums. He executed a missed approach and shortly thereafter informed the controller that he had lost one engine. The controller coordinated with the U.S. Air Force to allow the pilot to conduct a precision approach radar (PAR) approach and declared an emergency.
Multiple Approach Changes
The pilot was cleared for a PAR approach, but the controller terminated that approach and changed to a surveillance approach, which resulted in a missed approach. The pilot was then vectored for another PAR approach, which was subsequently changed to a no gyro approach. The controller informed the pilot he was too far left for a safe approach and instructed him to climb to 1,800 feet and fly a heading of 260 degrees. Radar contact was lost 1 mile southwest of the airport.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel tanks were not ruptured, but no fuel was present. Additionally, a review of the pilot's logbook indicated that he did not meet FAA instrument recurrency requirements.