On September 20, 1985, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N1994T) operated by Tarrant Aero Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Plainview, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules operations into marginal weather conditions, which led to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent emergency landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot exhausted his fuel reserves while circling to locate an airport during marginal VFR conditions, resulting in a substantial aircraft damage emergency landing.
What happened
The aircraft sustained substantial damage during an emergency landing after the engine failed due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot reported that during the second leg of the flight, weather conditions worsened significantly. The ceiling and visibility deteriorated to the point where he could no longer locate the destination airport. In an effort to find the airfield, the pilot used up his remaining fuel reserve.
The investigation
Data revealed that the aircraft flew for 4.2 hours to cover a straight-line distance of 269.5 nautical miles. This journey would normally require an estimated time en route between 1.63 and 1.73 hours. The weather throughout the area was marginal VFR to below VFR minimums. During the pre-flight weather briefing, the pilot was explicitly warned that VFR flight was not recommended.
Findings
The accident occurred within 5 nautical miles of the destination airport. The primary factor was fuel exhaustion after the pilot attempted to navigate in deteriorating conditions despite prior warnings.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules operations into marginal weather conditions, which led to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent emergency landing.
What happened in the 20 Sept 1985 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Plainview, TX?
A pilot exhausted his fuel reserves while circling to locate an airport during marginal VFR conditions, resulting in a substantial aircraft damage emergency landing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Sept 1985 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N1994T, operated by Tarrant Aero Flying Club, at Plainview, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules operations into marginal weather conditions, which led to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent emergency landing.
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