Incident Overview
A pilot flying toward an airport located within an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) experienced fuel exhaustion after prolonged delays in obtaining clearance to enter the zone. The airplane struck trees during the ensuing forced landing.
Flight Plan and Communications
The pilot had filed a flight plan and was informed that it was valid for two hours after the proposed departure time of 0900. At 1114, the pilot contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) to request clearance to enter the ADIZ. The controller could not locate the flight plan, and at 1126, instructed the pilot to contact a flight service station to file a new flight plan. The pilot reported that he was unable to contact the flight service station. Over the next hour, he made several attempts to reach ATC while holding for clearance. At 1208:23, the airplane was cleared to land. At 1214:16, the pilot declared an emergency due to fuel exhaustion.
Fuel Management
The pilot reported observing the fuel gauges getting "pretty low" while waiting for clearance, estimating about 30 minutes of fuel remaining. The engine lost power approximately 15 to 20 minutes later.
Missed Opportunities
Review of communication transcripts revealed that the pilot did not inform ATC of his fuel status or his inability to contact flight service. An aeronautical chart and airport facility directory showed that an airport with fuel services was located about 8 miles east-northeast of the airplane's holding position. That airport was outside the ADIZ and could have been used for refueling.
Conclusion
The forced landing resulted from fuel exhaustion after the pilot did not communicate low fuel to ATC and did not divert to a nearby alternate airport for refueling.