On August 27, 1988, a Piper J-3 (registration N38346) operated by Price, David M. was involved in an aviation accident near Youngstown, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion while on final approach, resulting in substantial damage and serious pilot injuries after impacting the ground 25 feet short of the runway.
Accident Overview
An aircraft suffered a complete loss of engine power during its final approach to a runway, attributed to fuel exhaustion. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground approximately 25 feet short of the approach end of the runway and nosed over, sustaining substantial damage. The pilot was seriously injured in the impact.
Pilot Condition and Investigation
According to the pilot's wife, the pilot has no recollection of the accident or the events leading up to it due to the severity of the head injuries sustained. A police report stated that no fuel was found in the aircraft's tank, nor on the ground surrounding the wreckage. The report also noted that the propeller blades were not bent, indicating that the engine was not running at the time of the crash.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the accident resulted from a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. No other contributing factors were identified.
Probable cause
Total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.