Flight History
The pilot and four passengers departed on an instrument flight rules (IFR) cross-country flight with full fuel tanks. Approximately three hours after departure, the pilot initiated an instrument approach at the intended fuel stop airport. Due to low cloud ceilings, the pilot was unable to land and flew to an alternate airport.
Approach Attempts
At the alternate airport, the pilot attempted another instrument approach but again could not land. The pilot then informed air traffic control (ATC) that the airplane was "running out of fuel" and requested vectors to the closest airport. The pilot attempted a third instrument approach. A passenger, who was also a pilot-rated individual, reported that the cloud layer was approximately 100 feet thick and the runway environment could not be visually acquired.
Accident and Examination
Witnesses observed the airplane circle the runway three times before the nose suddenly dropped straight down and the airplane impacted the ground. Examination of the wreckage revealed approximately 4 gallons of fuel remained in the tanks and no mechanical anomalies were noted. At the time of the accident, the airplane had been flying for a little over four hours. According to the Beechcraft Baron Pilot's Operating Handbook, each engine consumed approximately 12 to 13 gallons of fuel per hour, and the airplane's endurance was approximately 4.5 hours. Flight service station records showed that the pilot obtained a weather briefing before departure, which indicated deteriorating weather conditions for the estimated time of arrival, but did not obtain any further updates while en route. The pilot-rated passenger stated that the engines continued to operate until impact.