On April 27, 1987, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N7136P) operated by Robert Strickland was involved in an aviation accident near Pinehurst, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to refuel during an intermediate stop, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing short of the intended destination. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot failed to refuel at an intermediate stop, ran out of fuel while approaching the destination airport, and crashed less than a mile from the runway.
What happened
The aircraft was operating under visual flight rules when the pilot initiated contact with approach control. During this communication, the pilot reported that the aircraft had exhausted its fuel supply and expressed doubt regarding the ability to reach the intended destination airport. The pilot explained that earlier in the flight, he had made an intermediate landing at another airport but neglected to refuel the aircraft before departing for the final leg of the journey.
As the aircraft approached the destination, the pilot began a descent when the facility was approximately ten miles away. Despite these efforts, the aircraft lost power and crashed in the vicinity of the airport. Emergency responders located the wreckage less than one mile from the airport boundary.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to refuel during an intermediate stop, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing short of the intended destination.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 27 Apr 1987 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Pinehurst, NC?
A pilot failed to refuel at an intermediate stop, ran out of fuel while approaching the destination airport, and crashed less than a mile from the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Apr 1987 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N7136P, operated by Robert Strickland, at Pinehurst, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to refuel during an intermediate stop, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing short of the intended destination.
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