Jul 16, 2002
Accident
Substantial Burns, OR
InjuriesNone
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 091
Probable Cause
The pilot’s improper decision to continue on en route into an area of forecast reduced visibility without sufficient fuel to divert to a suitable alternate airport, and his subsequent inadvertent exhaustion of the aircraft's fuel supply. Factors include reduced visibility due to forest fire smoke, and rough/uneven terrain at the location where the pilot found it necessary to make a forced landing.
NTSB SEA02LA132