Casualties unknown

1983-08-08: Piper PA-25C-235 (N4394Y) — Upham, ND

Upham, ND, US

On August 8, 1983, a Piper PA-25C-235 (registration N4394Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Upham, ND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot flying from Souris to Mandan, ND, and onward experienced fuel exhaustion after approximately 2 hours of flight at 500 feet AGL, leading to a field landing.

Incident Details

The pilot reported departing Souris with approximately 17 gallons of fuel aboard. The flight proceeded to Mandan, North Dakota, at an altitude of 500 feet, lasting about one hour. Upon arrival at Mandan, the pilot did not refuel. Departing Mandan, fuel exhaustion occurred approximately one hour later, resulting in the aircraft landing in a field.

Flight Profile and Fuel Management

During the entire flight of about two hours, the aircraft operated at 500 feet above ground level. The pilot stated that the fuel mixture was leaned for best economy. According to the aircraft handbook, fuel consumption rates are 15.5 gallons per hour at 75 percent power and 12.2 gallons per hour at 60 percent cruise. The total fuel carried was insufficient for the duration of the flight given the consumption rates.

Outcome

The aircraft landed in a field. No further information is provided regarding injuries or aircraft damage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44119. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.