The pilot in command (PIC) of the single-engine airplane reported that after traveling about 270 nautical miles (nm) to their destination airport, the pilot controlled lighting would not illuminate when activated. The PIC diverted to an alternate airport that was 40 nm to the northeast, but the PIC reported that runway lighting was not available at the alternate airport. The PIC reported that he decided to fly about 70 nm southwest to another alternate airport, but the engine quit although the fuel indicator showed ¼ tank of fuel remained. He reported that he entered a descending left turn, he leveled the wings, no flaps and the airspeed was about 52 kts. The PIC recalled that the airplane landed hard, and nosed over after the nose landing gear and propeller struck a berm. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings, the firewall, and empennage.

During the airplane recovery, the fuel selector was photographed in the right wing tank position. The left tank did not have any fuel in the tank, and the right tank contained about 2 cups of fuel.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration Avionics Inspector present during the examination of the airplane's radios and antennas, no failures or malfunctions were identified.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Facility Directory, both airports were equipped with Medium Intensity Runway Lighting, and the first airport the PIC diverted from was equipped with Precision Approach Path Indicator lights. There weren't any notices to airman for the above mentioned airports, pertaining to lighting the date of the accident.

The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.