On September 27, 1985, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N8450K) operated by Aero Flite,inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Bowling Green, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft sustained substantial damage during a forced landing in a corn field after the pilot reported running out of fuel five miles from the destination airport.
What happened
The aircraft was substantially damaged during a forced landing in a corn field following a loss of power. The incident occurred approximately five miles from the destination airport. The pilot had previously reported to the Bowling Green Flight Service Station (FSS) that he was out of fuel while at an altitude of 3000 feet.
The investigation
A post-accident examination disclosed that there was a total of 24 ounces of fuel remaining on board the aircraft at the accident site. This finding confirmed the pilot's report of fuel exhaustion.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing.
What happened in the 27 Sept 1985 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Bowling Green, KY?
An aircraft sustained substantial damage during a forced landing in a corn field after the pilot reported running out of fuel five miles from the destination airport.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Sept 1985 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N8450K, operated by Aero Flite,inc., at Bowling Green, KY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing.
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