Incident Overview
According to the pilot, the flight originated from an unspecified airport and later returned due to bad weather. Upon reaching the area of Lewis/Lockport Airport in Romeoville, Illinois, the pilot encountered low ceilings that prevented a landing. At that point, the pilot reported that fuel was becoming scarce.
Diversion Attempt
The pilot then set course for DuPage County Airport in West Chicago, Illinois, although he admitted to being uncertain of his position. When he arrived in the vicinity of DuPage, the ceilings were also low, making a landing there unfeasible.
Emergency and Forced Landing
Just as the pilot was preparing to declare an emergency, the aircraft's fuel was completely exhausted. He located a large field and executed a forced landing. Following the landing, no fuel was observed in any of the airplane's four fuel tanks.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the aircraft disclosed no mechanical anomalies. The pilot's account and the physical evidence indicate that fuel exhaustion was the reason for the forced landing, though the source does not assign a probable cause.