Casualties unknown

Engine failure during return flight leads to stall into trees (N41994)

Lakewood, NJ, US

On August 16, 1987, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N41994) was involved in an aviation accident near Lakewood, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power after approximately 30 minutes of flight while returning to the airport. The pilot attempted an emergency restart but was unable to restore power, resulting in a forced landing where the plane stalled and impacted trees.

What happened

The incident occurred while the aircraft was returning to the airport following a flight that lasted approximately 30 minutes. During this phase of the return trip, the engine experienced a complete loss of power. The pilot immediately attempted to restart the engine by performing standard troubleshooting procedures, which included checking the fuel tank gauges, applying carburetor heat, and manipulating the magnetos. These efforts were unsuccessful.

During the subsequent forced landing attempt, the aircraft stalled and impacted trees. Post-accident inspection revealed that no fuel was present in the fuel lines or the carburetor, indicating a lack of fuel supply to the engine at the time of failure.

The investigation

Following the accident, mechanics conducted a test run of the engine. This test was performed without any problems, suggesting that the engine itself was mechanically sound and capable of operating normally when supplied with fuel.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Aug 1987 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Lakewood, NJ?

An aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power after approximately 30 minutes of flight while returning to the airport. The pilot attempted an emergency restart but was unable to restore power, resulting in a forced landing where the plane stalled and impacted trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Aug 1987 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N41994, at Lakewood, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31922. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.