Departure and Flight Conditions
The pilot departed from a remote off-airport area during a dark night. During the flight to the intended destination, a layer of clouds obscured the ground. The pilot continued under visual flight rules (VFR) on-top conditions and became lost. He climbed to approximately 10,000 feet above mean sea level to remain above the clouds.
Communication and Assistance
The airplane was equipped with a turn and bank instrument but had no instrument panel lighting. The radio was not functioning effectively to establish contact with an FAA facility. The pilot used a flashlight to illuminate the instrument panel, but the bulb burned out. The passenger contacted Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) via a cellular telephone and requested assistance in descending through the clouds and locating an airport. The pilot, passenger, and FAA air traffic controllers worked together for about one hour in an attempt to assist the flight.
Descent and Collision
About three hours after takeoff, the airplane's engine ran out of fuel, and the pilot began a descent through the clouds. The pilot reported attempting to maintain control but experienced two or three uncontrolled spins. As the airplane neared the ground, the passenger established visual contact with the ground and yelled to the pilot. The pilot then pulled back on the control stick, and the airplane struck the ground in an area of small hills. Rescue personnel located the airplane the following day.
Pilot Qualifications
The pilot did not have an instrument rating. His pilot's certificate contained a limitation that prohibited night flying.