On May 3, 1986, a Piper 601P (registration N246G) was involved in an aviation accident near Miami, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An international flight nearly 5 hours into its journey made a forced landing in the Florida Everglades after reporting low fuel. Examination found no fuel in engine lines, and a mix of avgas colors was detected in the tanks.
Accident Overview
A flight nearing the completion of an international journey of nearly 5 hours advised air traffic control that they were low on fuel and requested vectors to the nearest airport. The flight was unable to reach the airport and executed a forced landing in the Everglades, approximately 6 miles from the intended landing site.
Fuel Examination
Post-accident inspection of the fuel lines leading to the engine servos revealed no fuel present. Approximately 55 gallons of blue-colored 100LL fuel were found in the aircraft's fuel tanks. However, green-colored 100/130 octane fuel was discovered in the fuel sump, which is the lowest point in the fuel system. Fuel distributors in San Salvador reported that only 100/130 green fuel is available at that location.
Additional Details
A security guard reported that an airboat was near the aircraft during the night following the accident. The pilot had departed with approximately 209 gallons of fuel; according to the available information, the aircraft would have been at or near fuel exhaustion after 5 hours of flight.