Sequence of Events
At approximately 1930 central daylight time, an aircraft departed Yukon, Oklahoma, on a direct flight to Alton, Illinois. It landed at Alton at about 2200. Approximately 10 minutes later, the aircraft departed on a return flight to Yukon. Before departing Alton, the pilot stated that he would refuel at Springfield, Missouri, while on the return trip. However, there was no indication that the plane was refueled at Springfield.
The aircraft subsequently crashed near Afton, Oklahoma, at about 2350.
Witness and Investigation
A witness reported seeing the aircraft circling back and forth across the highway at low altitude. It then entered a left bank and nosedived into the ground. Investigation revealed that the aircraft impacted in a near-level attitude but at a steep angle of descent. The fuel tanks were found to be empty, and there was no evidence of fuel spillage on the ground, except near the right tip tank. The left and right fuel selectors were found positioned to the right main tank. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was killed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause findings include three occurrences:
Occurrence #1: Loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical, during approach. Contributing factors: dark night light condition; improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot-in-command; fuel starvation; delayed precautionary landing by the pilot-in-command.
Occurrence #2: Loss of control - in flight, during approach. Contributing factors: airspeed (Vmc) not maintained by the pilot-in-command; inadvertent stall by the pilot-in-command.
Occurrence #3: In-flight collision with terrain/water, during uncontrolled descent.