On October 22, 1983, a Piper PA-25 (registration N6247Z) was involved in an aviation accident near West Mifflin, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and an emergency landing short of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot visually confirmed fuel levels before departure, but the engine stopped on final approach. The aircraft landed in trees approximately two miles short of the runway due to fuel exhaustion.
What happened
The pilot reported that prior to departure, he performed a visual inspection of the fuel tanks and confirmed the presence of fuel. He also verified that the fuel indicator was functioning correctly. However, while on final approach at the destination airport, the engine ceased operation. The aircraft subsequently impacted trees approximately two miles short of the runway.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed no fuel in the fuel tanks, the gascolator, or the fuel quantity transmitter. This physical evidence confirmed that the engine stopped due to a lack of fuel supply.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was fuel exhaustion. Despite the pilot's pre-flight visual check, the aircraft ran out of fuel during the approach phase. The impact with the trees resulted in significant damage to the airframe.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and an emergency landing short of the runway.