January 1, 2006, Phenix City, Ala. / Piper PA-23-160

The Private pilot was on a VFR cross-country flight when he began encountering instrument conditions. The pilot continued into the instrument conditions for about 30 minutes before asking Atlanta Approach Control for directions to the nearest airport for landing. The controller directed the pilot to two different nearby airports but both were below minimums. The pilot informed the controller that he was low on fuel and needed to land as soon as possible. The controller directed the pilot to the Columbus Metropolitan Airport, Columbus, Ga. The pilot attempted four unsuccessful instrument approaches with the controllers talking him through each approach. On the fifth approach, at five miles from the runway, both engines quit from fuel exhaustion. One person was seriously injured and one received minor injuries during the forced landing; the airplane was substantially damaged.