What happened
The pilot departed Bluffton Airport (5G7) in Bluffton, Ohio, with full fuel tanks and flew to Rock County Airport (JVL) in Janesville, Wisconsin. After arriving in Janesville, the pilot purchased 21.7 gallons of fuel before continuing the flight to Whittman Regional Airport (OSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, covering a distance of 94.9 nautical miles.
A few days later, the pilot departed OSH for a return flight to 5G7, a total distance of 314 nautical miles. During the final approach to 5G7, the N5271P was observed banking sharply to the right and then performing a nose dive straight down into the field. A thin tree line, positioned perpendicular to the final approach course, was located between the end of the runway and the wreckage.
The investigation
Investigators examined potential fuel stops along the intended route of flight but found that none had fueled N5271P during the trip. An on-scene examination of the aircraft revealed there was no evidence of fuel in either wing tank. Both tanks were found to be intact, and investigators noted an absence of any fuel streaking or staining.
Further inspection of the fuel lines showed they were intact and free of blockages. Additionally, an examination of the engine and the overall airplane revealed no mechanical deficiencies.