On March 11, 1986, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N40820) operated by Ramp One Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Krotz Springs, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion following an inaccurate estimate of fuel remaining, which was partly due to an improperly adjusted carburetor that leaked under pressure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed into a road sign during a forced landing on a highway following fuel exhaustion. The pilot had added only ten gallons of fuel for the return trip, and his fuel estimate was inaccurate partly due to an improperly adjusted carburetor that leaked under pressure.
Accident Overview
An aircraft collided with a road sign while executing a forced landing on a highway after the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot had completed a cross-country flight and added only ten gallons of fuel for the return trip.
Fuel Management Issues
The pilot's estimate of remaining fuel proved inaccurate. This inaccuracy was attributed in part to the carburetor being improperly adjusted, which caused a fuel leak under pressure. Prior fuel consumption records for the aircraft indicated that fuel usage ranged between 9 and 12.5 gallons per hour.
Post-Accident Findings
A post-accident investigation revealed that both wing tanks were empty. Additionally, the fuel filter and the carburetor float chamber were also found to be devoid of fuel.
Probable cause
Fuel exhaustion following an inaccurate estimate of fuel remaining, which was partly due to an improperly adjusted carburetor that leaked under pressure.
What happened in the 11 Mar 1986 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Krotz Springs, LA?
An aircraft crashed into a road sign during a forced landing on a highway following fuel exhaustion. The pilot had added only ten gallons of fuel for the return trip, and his fuel estimate was inaccurate partly due to an improperly adjusted carburetor that leaked under pressure.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Mar 1986 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N40820, operated by Ramp One Aviation, Inc., at Krotz Springs, LA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fuel exhaustion following an inaccurate estimate of fuel remaining, which was partly due to an improperly adjusted carburetor that leaked under pressure.
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