Casualties unknown

Fuel Mismanagement Leads to Off-Airport Landing and Substantial Damage (N3731T)

Benson, MN, US

On July 13, 1986, a Piper PA-28R-201 (registration N3731T) was involved in an aviation accident near Benson, MN. 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
Aircraft registered N3731T
Aircraft registered N3731T. Photo: Alan Wilson / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A pilot ran the right fuel tank dry before switching tanks, causing engine failure on final approach. The aircraft landed short of the runway with gear up in rough terrain, resulting in substantial damage. Post-accident examination found only one quart of fuel in the right tank; fuel gauges tested accurate.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported that during cruise flight, he had run the right fuel tank dry before switching to the left tank. On final approach for landing, the engine began to falter and subsequently quit running. The aircraft was landed short of the runway with the landing gear retracted in rough terrain, resulting in substantial damage.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the accident, an examination of both fuel tanks revealed approximately one quart of fuel remaining only in the right tank. The fuel gauges were tested and proved to be accurate.

Damage Assessment

The aircraft sustained substantial damage due to the off-airport landing with the gear retracted. No details regarding injuries or fatalities were provided in the source.

Summary of Findings

The source indicates that the engine failure occurred after the right fuel tank was depleted and before fuel from the left tank was utilized. The examination confirmed that the right tank was nearly empty, with only a minimal amount of fuel present. No other issues with the fuel system or gauges were identified.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jul 1986 Piper PA-28R-201 accident near Benson, MN?

A pilot ran the right fuel tank dry before switching tanks, causing engine failure on final approach. The aircraft landed short of the runway with gear up in rough terrain, resulting in substantial damage. Post-accident examination found only one quart of fuel in the right tank; fuel gauges tested accurate.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jul 1986 involved a Piper PA-28R-201, registration N3731T, at Benson, MN.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34121. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.