Sequence of Events
During the return leg to Ashland, the pilot became disoriented and requested vectors to the nearest airport due to concerns about the aircraft's total time aloft and an unspecified fuel situation. Seattle Center advised the pilot that Chiloquin, Oregon, was approximately 10 miles north-northwest of his position. However, the ATC specialist informed the pilot that it was not known if fuel was available at that airport and inquired whether Klamath Falls, approximately 35 miles away, would be an option. The pilot believed he had sufficient fuel to complete the flight to Klamath Falls.
Approximately 2 miles from reaching the airport, the airplane's engine began to surge and eventually lost power. The pilot stated that he was unable to reach the runway and elected to land in an open field. As the airplane touched down, it encountered soft muddy terrain and "flipped nose over."
Post-Event Statements
The pilot reported that he believed he had approximately 15 minutes of fuel remaining when the engine lost power, but later stated that the airplane "just ran out of fuel." The airplane had been "topped" prior to departing Ashland. The Hobbs meter indicated that the airplane had flown approximately 3.6 hours since it had been fueled.