Incident Overview
The pilot in command (PIC) of a single-engine airplane reported that after traveling approximately 270 nautical miles (nm) to the destination airport, the pilot-controlled lighting system would not illuminate when activated. The pilot decided to divert to an alternate airport located 40 nm to the northeast, but upon arrival, runway lighting was not available at that airport either.
Second Diversion and Engine Failure
The PIC then elected to fly about 70 nm southwest to another alternate airport. During this leg, the engine quit despite the fuel indicator showing one-quarter tank of fuel remaining. The pilot entered a descending left turn, leveled the wings, set no flaps, and maintained an airspeed of about 52 knots. The airplane subsequently landed hard, and the nose landing gear and propeller struck a berm, causing the aircraft to nose over.
Damage and Fuel Examination
Substantial damage was sustained to both wings, the firewall, and the empennage. During recovery of the airplane, the fuel selector was photographed in the right wing tank position. The left fuel tank was empty, while the right tank contained approximately two cups of fuel.
System Inspection
According to a Federal Aviation Administration Avionics Inspector who examined the airplane's radios and antennas, no failures or malfunctions were identified. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Airport Lighting Information
Per the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Facility Directory, both of the alternate airports were equipped with Medium Intensity Runway Lighting (MIRL). The first airport from which the pilot diverted was also equipped with Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lights. There were no notices to airman (NOTAMs) concerning lighting at these airports on the date of the incident.