On September 29, 1985, a Piper PA-28-R (registration N7554J) was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Vernon, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply while maneuvering to avoid severe weather, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent stall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot running out of fuel while maneuvering under overcast skies to find a landing site stalled the aircraft at tree-top level. Severe weather avoidance led to fuel exhaustion, but trees attenuated the impact and immediate rescue followed.
What happened
The pilot reported that he ran out of gas while maneuvering under an overcast sky in an attempt to locate a suitable landing site. He had previously tried to circumnavigate a large area of severe weather, which ultimately led to the fuel exhaustion. The engine quit, and the aircraft stalled at tree-top level. Ground impact was attenuated by the trees. A patrolman witnessed the accident, and rescue was almost immediate.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's attempt to avoid severe weather. The stall occurred at low altitude, and the presence of trees reduced the severity of the ground impact.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply while maneuvering to avoid severe weather, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent stall.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Sept 1985 Piper PA-28-R accident near Mount Vernon, TX?
A pilot running out of fuel while maneuvering under overcast skies to find a landing site stalled the aircraft at tree-top level. Severe weather avoidance led to fuel exhaustion, but trees attenuated the impact and immediate rescue followed.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Sept 1985 involved a Piper PA-28-R, registration N7554J, at Mount Vernon, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply while maneuvering to avoid severe weather, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent stall.
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