Flight History
Before departing from Youngstown, Ohio, the pilot filed two IFR flight plans: one to Plattsburgh, New York, and another for the return flight from Plattsburgh to Youngstown. The flight to Plattsburgh lasted 2 hours and 10 minutes. After landing, 70 gallons of fuel were added to the aircraft, but the person who serviced the aircraft indicated the tanks were not full. The aircraft then flew for 10 minutes to Burlington, Vermont, where no fuel was added. Subsequently, the pilot departed on the return flight to Youngstown.
Descent and Loss of Power
During the descent phase to Youngstown, the pilot requested vectors to the closest airport. Controllers provided vectors to Chess Lamberton Airport and advised it was 6 miles away. Shortly after, the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The aircraft subsequently crashed in rolling, wooded terrain.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the accident site revealed no fuel in the aircraft. No other evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure was found. Considering the combined weight of passengers and cargo, the maximum amount of fuel that could have been used without exceeding the aircraft's certificated gross weight was about 104 gallons. At 45 to 55% power, the aircraft burned approximately 17 to 22 gallons per hour. Wind gusts of up to 30 knots were reported at the time.
All six occupants were killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official findings attributed the accident to a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, resulting from inadequate preflight planning and fuel supply management by the pilot. Contributing environmental factors included dark night conditions, low ceiling, fog, rain, and unfavorable wind, as well as tree collision.