Incident Overview
An airplane flying for approximately four hours was sighted by two eyewitnesses at an altitude of about 100 feet above ground level. The witnesses reported that no engine sound was discernible from the aircraft. At the time, the airplane was located approximately 2 to 3 miles northeast of its destination airport.
Pilot Communications
During the flight, the pilot transmitted a mayday distress call three times, stating that the airplane had run out of fuel. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft collided with trees estimated to be 75 to 80 feet tall, about 2 miles short of the airport.
Post-Crash Examination
Following the accident, a thorough examination of all engine and airframe components was conducted. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were identified. Investigators found no usable fuel remaining in the aircraft. When fuel was added to the system under post-crash conditions, the engine and the fuel source selector system operated satisfactorily.