What happened
A cargo mission traveling from Detroit to Valdosta was interrupted when the pilot identified that the remaining fuel levels were inadequate for the planned destination. During the descent phase of the flight, the pilot attempted to divert the aircraft to Albany. However, during this maneuver, one engine ceased functioning because the fuel supply had been depleted.
While operating in heavy fog, the aircraft type (unspecified) struck several trees and crashed a short distance from the airfield. The single occupant of the plane, the pilot, sustained injuries, and the airframe was completely destroyed.
Findings
The investigation identified that the primary reason for the engine failure was fuel exhaustion. Several contributing elements were noted during the accident analysis:
- Ineffective management of fuel reserves
- Errors in preflight planning and preparation
- Improper execution of IFR procedures
- Poor decision-making regarding in-flight navigation
- Reduced visibility caused by fog
- Presence of high obstructions near the flight path
- Complete loss of power on one engine during a missed approach attempt