On March 8, 1982, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N75029) operated by Flyers OF Nashville was involved in an aviation accident near Murfreesboro, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in **fuel exhaustion** and subsequent loss of engine power during the final approach phase. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot experienced an engine failure while turning to final approach for landing, approximately 20 miles from the destination. Unable to reach the runway, the aircraft struck a tree 300 feet short of the threshold.
What happened
The pilot was operating a flight with the intention of reaching a specific destination. During the cruise portion of the journey, the pilot estimated that the fuel consumption rate was approximately 10 gallons per hour. However, the actual fuel burn rate was higher, at about 12 gallons per hour.
Approximately 20 miles from the intended destination, the pilot decided to make an enroute stop for fuel. While maneuvering the aircraft and turning to final approach for landing at this alternate location, the engine quit unexpectedly. From that point forward, the pilot was unable to land on the runway. The aircraft struck a tree approximately 300 feet short of the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in **fuel exhaustion** and subsequent loss of engine power during the final approach phase.
What happened in the 8 Mar 1982 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Murfreesboro, TN?
A pilot experienced an engine failure while turning to final approach for landing, approximately 20 miles from the destination. Unable to reach the runway, the aircraft struck a tree 300 feet short of the threshold.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Mar 1982 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N75029, operated by Flyers OF Nashville, at Murfreesboro, TN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in **fuel exhaustion** and subsequent loss of engine power during the final approach phase.
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