Flight History
The aircraft departed Laredo, Texas, on a flight to Fort Smith, Arkansas, with an intermediate stop at Brinkley, Arkansas. The pilot began the first of six flights at 0608 central daylight time and had gotten very little sleep the preceding night.
Fuel Situation
The fuel tanks were topped at Laredo, but no fuel was added during the stop at Brinkley. On arrival at Fort Smith, the pilot declared an emergency for extremely low fuel.
Emergency
Air traffic control cleared the pilot for a straight-in approach. Very shortly after, both engines began running rough and both fuel boost pump lights illuminated. The pilot informed the tower that he would not be able to reach the airport.
Accident Sequence
He selected a dark, unpopulated area to land and extended the landing gear. When he turned on the landing lights, he realized he had selected a wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed after impacting trees.
Injuries
Both occupants were seriously injured.
Probable Cause
The official findings identified three occurrences: (1) loss of engine power (total, nonmechanical) due to inadequate preflight by the pilot-in-command, fuel exhaustion, and inadequate fuel supply; (2) forced landing; (3) in-flight collision with object during flare/touchdown, with contributing factors of dark night conditions and trees.