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Piper PA22-150 Power Failure Due to Fuel Exhaustion (N3821P)

Sulphur, LA, US

On March 9, 1986, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N3821P) operated by Derrick D. Smith was involved in an aviation accident near Sulphur, LA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced a power failure due to fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On March 9, 1986, a Piper PA22-150 (N3821P) experienced a power failure due to fuel exhaustion during a pleasure flight. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; the pilot was not injured.

Incident Overview

On March 9, 1986, at 0900 Central Standard Time, a Piper Aircraft PA22-150, registration N3821P, experienced a power failure during flight. The registered owner of the aircraft was Derrick D. Smith.

Sequence of Events

The flight was a pleasure flight conducted under visual meteorological conditions. It originated from DeQuincy, Louisiana, at approximately 0800 hours on the same day. No flight plan was filed.

Damage and Injuries

The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the power failure. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured.

Cause

The power failure was determined to be due to fuel exhaustion.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a power failure due to fuel exhaustion.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Mar 1986 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Sulphur, LA?

On March 9, 1986, a Piper PA22-150 (N3821P) experienced a power failure due to fuel exhaustion during a pleasure flight. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; the pilot was not injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Mar 1986 Piper PA-22-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Mar 1986 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N3821P, operated by Derrick D. Smith, at Sulphur, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a power failure due to fuel exhaustion.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33077. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.