Accident Narrative
A pilot initiated a three-leg cross country flight at night without obtaining a weather briefing for the first leg, nor did he obtain a briefing at either intermediate stop. Approaching his destination, he checked the weather and was informed that conditions included one quarter mile visibility and 200 vertical feet visibility, and that the runway was closed. He decided to wait and hold for the runway to open, which took about 30 to 40 minutes, and attempted an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach. He executed a missed approach due to the low visibility conditions.
After conferring with air traffic control, the pilot elected to divert to an alternate airport. However, he exhausted his fuel supply prior to performing an approach at the diversion airport. He then executed a forced landing in instrument meteorological conditions. The airplane touched down in a grassy area and collided with a curb adjacent to the parking lot of a gas station.
Pilot Statements
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He also reported that he may have been fatigued since he elected to fly all night after working the previous day.
Damage and Examination
An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration examined the airplane and confirmed that the fuel supply was exhausted. Substantial damage was confirmed to the wings and fuselage.