On March 6, 1984, a Piper PA-24-260 (registration N9011P) was involved in an aviation accident near Manassas, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident occurred during an uncontrolled descent in instrument conditions after an engine failure as a result of fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a missed approach at night in weather below minimums, the aircraft experienced an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion after about 5 hours 25 minutes of flight, leading to an uncontrolled descent.
Accident Overview
The accident occurred during a missed approach at night in weather conditions below the destination minimums. The flight had been in progress for approximately 5 hours and 25 minutes at the time of the event.
Fuel Exhaustion
Performance computations indicated that the accident occurred at or near the time of projected fuel exhaustion. The loss of engine power was attributed to fuel exhaustion.
Witness Accounts
Several witnesses reported hearing the engine 'cut-out' before impact.
Descent and Conditions
The accident occurred during an uncontrolled descent in instrument conditions. The engine failure was a result of fuel exhaustion.
Equipment Examination
Metallurgical examination of the altimeter could not determine that a malfunction had occurred before impact.
Probable cause
The accident occurred during an uncontrolled descent in instrument conditions after an engine failure as a result of fuel exhaustion.
What happened in the 6 Mar 1984 Piper PA-24-260 accident near Manassas, VA?
During a missed approach at night in weather below minimums, the aircraft experienced an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion after about 5 hours 25 minutes of flight, leading to an uncontrolled descent.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Mar 1984 involved a Piper PA-24-260, registration N9011P, at Manassas, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The accident occurred during an uncontrolled descent in instrument conditions after an engine failure as a result of fuel exhaustion.
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