What happened
The flight departed from a remote off-airport location during the night. While en route to the intended destination, a layer of clouds obscured the ground, forcing the pilot to operate in VFR-on-top conditions. The pilot climbed to approximately 10,000 feet MSL to remain above the cloud layer but subsequently became lost.
The aircraft was equipped with a turn and bank instrument but lacked any instrument panel lighting. Because the aircraft's radio was not functioning effectively enough to establish contact with an FAA facility, the pilot attempted to use a flashlight to illuminate the instruments; however, the flashlight bulb burned out during the flight.
A passenger on board used a cellular telephone to contact the Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) to request assistance in locating an airport and descending through the clouds. For approximately one hour, air traffic controllers, the pilot, and the passenger worked together to assist the flight.
Approximately three hours after takeoff, the engine experienced fuel exhaustion. As the pilot began a descent through the clouds, the aircraft entered two or three uncontrolled spins. Just before impact, the passenger established visual contact with the ground and alerted the pilot. The pilot responded by pulling back on the control stick, but the aircraft struck the ground in an area of small hills. There were no fatalities reported, though the aircraft was located by rescue personnel the following day.
Findings
The investigation noted that the pilot did not hold an instrument rating. Additionally, the pilot's certificate included a specific limitation that prohibited night flying.