What happened
A cross-country flight ended in a crash in a desert region of Idaho after the pilot reported a critical fuel shortage. During the flight, ADS-B data showed the aircraft type maintained a heading toward the north and northeast at altitudes between 11,000 and 13,000 feet. Approximately 30 minutes before the conclusion of the trip, the aircraft began descending and turned toward the east. During this period, the pilot notified air traffic control of minimum fuel levels, followed shortly by a declaration of critical fuel due to a leak. The pilot indicated an intention to divert to a nearby airfield, but the aircraft subsequently struck hilly terrain at an elevation of approximately 5,780 feet.
Findings
Investigations into the wreckage revealed evidence of a fuel leak at the crash site, noted by fuel staining and a strong odor. While the pilot had previously experienced a heavy left wing, which he attributed to fuel imbalance, post-accident inspections showed the left fuel valve was set to ON while the right valve was set to OFF. This configuration suggests the pilot was drawing fuel solely from the left tank, which may have prevented access to the remaining fuel in the right tank during the emergency.
Radar imagery indicated the aircraft flew through areas of moderate to heavy precipitation before the impact. Because the aircraft was not certified for flight in icing conditions, and light-to-moderate icing was expected in the area, it is believed the aircraft encountered icing during the final stage of flight. There was no evidence of mechanical failure in the engine or airframe. The investigation concluded that the aerodynamic stall likely occurred because the pilot failed to maintain appropriate airspeed while maneuvering toward an alternate airport during the fuel emergency and icing encounter. The pilot's medical condition and use of certain medications were not determined to be contributing factors.