On October 11, 1987, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N4120F) operated by Porterville Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Porterville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot executed an emergency descent and force landed in a field after the engine lost all power during a normal descent, with no fuel remaining in the tanks.
What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was conducting a normal descent. During this phase of flight, the engine suddenly lost all power. The pilot responded by executing an emergency descent and subsequently force landed the aircraft in a field.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft wreckage revealed that there was no fuel remaining in the fuel tanks. During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he had run out of gas. There were no mechanical problems reported prior to the accident.
Findings
The primary finding was fuel exhaustion. No other contributing factors or mechanical issues were identified.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
What happened in the 11 Oct 1987 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Porterville, CA?
A pilot executed an emergency descent and force landed in a field after the engine lost all power during a normal descent, with no fuel remaining in the tanks.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Oct 1987 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N4120F, operated by Porterville Aviation, at Porterville, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
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