What happened
The flight originated in Youngstown, Ohio, with the pilot filing two separate instrument flight rules (IFR) plans: one for a trip to Plattsburgh, New York, and a second for the return leg. After a flight duration of 2 hours and 10 minutes, the aircraft arrived in Plattsburgh, where 70 gallons of fuel were added. However, the individual servicing the aircraft noted that the tanks remained partially empty following the refueling process.
The aircraft then proceeded to Burlington, Vermont, for a 10-minute flight, but no additional fuel was taken on at that location. While performing the return flight to Youngstown, the pilot requested vectors for an approach to the nearest airport during the descent phase. After being directed toward Chess Lamberton Airport and informed it was six miles away, the pilot reported a total loss of engine power. The aircraft subsequently struck trees in rolling, wooded terrain.
Investigations revealed that no fuel remained in the aircraft at the time of the crash, though no mechanical failures or malfunctions were identified. Given the weight of the passengers and cargo, the aircraft had a maximum usable fuel capacity of approximately 104 gallons for this flight profile. At power settings between 45% and 55%, the fuel consumption rate was estimated between 17 and 22 gallons per hour.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the primary factor in the accident was fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors included inadequate preflight planning and preparation by the pilot, as well as the decision to continue the flight despite insufficient fuel supplies. Environmental conditions at the time of the crash included dark night, low ceilings, fog, rain, and wind gusts reaching 30 knots.