CHI98LA139

The pilot indicated that he believed that the flight would be in VMC conditions for most of the flight; however, he said that for most of the flight he encountered IMC conditions. He was held prior to his initial approach for 20 minutes. On the initial approach he missed and returned to the VOR. At this point he realized that he needed to find an alternate airport and while searching for one exhausted all usable fuel. A forced landing was made to a field where on landing the airplane sustained substantial damage. Subsequent to the accident, no usable fuel remained in the fuel tanks. No mechanical anomalies were discovered. There was no evidence of fuel leaks, stains, and the fuel caps were intact and serviceable.

On May 3, 1998, at 1525 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-200, N75306, registered to a corporation, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing about three-quarters of a mile east of East Hannibal, Illinois. The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The pilot told police that the forced landing was due to fuel exhaustion. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Hazard, Kentucky, on an IFR flight plan, at 0940, with the intended destination of Quincy, Illinois. The pilot had cancelled IFR and was proceeding VFR at the time of the accident.

In his written statement, the pilot indicated that he expected VFR conditions to exist en route and at his destination; however, he said that he encountered IMC conditions, "... for most of the trip." He indicated that he departed on the trip with full fuel tanks. He said that he was caused to hold for 20 minutes prior to initiating an approach (VOR 22) at Quincy. He said that he missed on the initial approach and returned to the VOR. He said at this point he realized that an alternate landing site had to be found. He said that while looking for a site, the engine lost power and he landed off the airport in a field. The pilot's figures indicate that the airplane operated for 5 hours and 45 minutes from the takeoff to the forced landing.

Emergency response personnel said that the pilot reported to them that the forced landing was due to fuel exhaustion.

Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed no usable fuel in either fuel tank. No other mechanical anomalies were found. No leaks or fuel stains were found on the airplane or under the tanks. The fuel caps were intact and the gaskets did not indicate deterioration.