On December 31, 1983, a Piper PA-38 (registration N2490G) was involved in an aviation accident near Preston, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate navigation, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot became lost during a cross-country flight because the aircraft lacked a directional gyro, relying solely on a magnetic compass. He flew until fuel exhaustion and crash landed in a field near power lines.
What happened
The student pilot initiated a cross-country flight without installing a directional gyro in the aircraft. Before departure, he consulted with his instructor, who advised that the magnetic compass would provide sufficient navigation for the trip. During the third leg of the journey, the pilot selected an incorrect heading and subsequently lost his position.
The aircraft continued flying until it ran out of fuel. The pilot then executed a forced landing in a field after crossing over power lines located near the edge of the landing area.
Findings
No directional gyro installed
Fuel exhaustion
Loss of navigation due to incorrect heading
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate navigation, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing.