Accident Details
The pilot of a tailwheel ski-equipped airplane reported that during a night flight, weather conditions began to deteriorate. He decided to navigate to a nearby airport, estimating a 20-minute fuel reserve upon arrival. Upon reaching the intended airport, he was unable to activate the runway lights using the pilot-controlled lighting system. Consequently, he diverted to an alternate airport approximately 35 miles away.
Emergency Landing
About 10 nautical miles from the alternate airport, the engine lost all power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot executed an emergency landing in an off-airport field. During the landing, the ski-equipped airplane nosed over, and the empennage sustained substantial damage.
Fuel Regulations
The accident report references 14 Code of Federal Regulation 91.151, which outlines fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. This regulation states that no person may begin a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions unless there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, during the day to fly for at least 30 minutes afterward, or at night for at least 45 minutes.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.