Summary
An airplane crashed while on final approach to Bluffton Airport (5G7) in Bluffton, Ohio, after a flight from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. On-scene examination found no fuel in the wing tanks and no mechanical problems with the aircraft.
Flight History
The pilot departed Bluffton Airport (5G7) with full fuel and flew to Rock County Airport (JVL) in Janesville, Wisconsin. At Janesville, the pilot purchased 21.7 gallons of fuel. The pilot then flew to Whittman Regional Airport (OSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a distance of 94.9 nautical miles. A few days later, the pilot departed Oshkosh and flew to Bluffton, a distance of 314 nautical miles. Examination of potential fuel stops along the intended route revealed that none had refueled the aircraft (registration N5271P).
Accident Sequence
On final approach to Bluffton Airport, witnesses observed the airplane bank sharply to the right, then nose dive straight down into a field. A thin tree line ran perpendicular to the final approach course and was located between the wreckage and the end of the runway.
Examination
On-scene examination revealed that there was no evidence of fuel in either wing tank. Both fuel tanks were intact, and there was no evidence of fuel streaking or staining around the wreckage. Examination of the fuel lines showed they were intact and free of blockages. Examination of the engine and the rest of the airplane found no mechanical deficiencies.