Flight and Communication
Approximately five hours and fifteen minutes into the flight, the pilot contacted Approach Control and requested landing. Minutes after the initial communication, the pilot reported that the airplane had run out of fuel. In response, air traffic controllers issued radar vectors to the nearest airport. Seconds later, radio and radar contact with the aircraft was lost.
ELT Signal and Search
Within about two minutes of losing contact, an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was reported by another airplane flying in the vicinity of the downed aircraft. A ground search operation commenced, and the accident airplane was located the following morning.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the airframe did not reveal any mechanical malfunction or failure of related component assemblies. Approximately half a gallon of fuel was recovered from the right fuel tank. The left fuel tank was ruptured. During a functional engine check, the engine operated up to 1700 rpm.