What happened
A Piper PA-32R-301T collided with terrain following a forced landing initiated due to fuel exhaustion. The individual operating the aircraft at the time of the incident was identified as a renter pilot who subsequently reported that the airplane had been stolen prior to the crash.
During the investigation, examination of the wreckage confirmed that there was no fuel present in the aircraft's fuel tanks. Additionally, it was reported that the aircraft was carrying between 400 and 500 pounds of marijuana at the time of the accident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft to determine the status of its systems and contents upon impact. The physical inspection verified the complete absence of fuel in the tanks, corroborating the forced landing scenario due to fuel exhaustion. Law enforcement involvement confirmed the presence of illicit drugs within the cabin.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was the depletion of usable fuel. Contributing circumstances included the unauthorized use of the aircraft and the illegal cargo being transported.