Casualties unknown

Fuel Exhaustion During Cross-Country Flight Leads to Forced Landing and Nose Over (N8474W)

Merced, CA, US

On November 24, 1986, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N8474W) operated by Stephen R. Hoffman was involved in an aviation accident near Merced, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During return leg of a cross-country flight, the aircraft lost power after the pilot deliberately ran the left fuel tank dry. The right tank showed 6-7 gallons remaining, but after a forced landing in a soft field, less than one quart was found.

Accident Summary

On the return leg of a round-robin cross-country flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of power approximately 10 miles from the destination airport. About 15 minutes earlier, the pilot had deliberately run the left fuel tank dry. At that time, the right fuel tank indicated that 6 to 7 gallons of fuel remained.

Forced Landing

During a forced landing in a soft field, the aircraft hit a furrow and nosed over. After the accident, less than one quart of fuel was found remaining in the aircraft.

Investigation Findings

No probable cause was stated in the investigation source. The accident involved a loss of power due to fuel exhaustion after the pilot intentionally exhausted the left tank and relied on a right tank that contained significantly less fuel than indicated.

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Nov 1986 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Merced, CA?

During return leg of a cross-country flight, the aircraft lost power after the pilot deliberately ran the left fuel tank dry. The right tank showed 6-7 gallons remaining, but after a forced landing in a soft field, less than one quart was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Nov 1986 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N8474W, operated by Stephen R. Hoffman, at Merced, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35200. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.