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Piper PA-28 Runs Out of Fuel, Strikes Trees and Guard Rail During Forced Landing (N2179Y)

Chambersburg, PA, US

On December 4, 1988, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N2179Y) operated by George Glomeau was involved in an aviation accident near Chambersburg, PA. 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

A Piper PA-28 pilot, receiving ATC advisories, experienced low fuel and attempted to land at a nearby airport but ran out of fuel. Unable to locate the airport, the pilot attempted a highway landing, striking trees and a road sign before nosing over and sliding into a guard rail.

Flight Details

The pilot of a Piper PA-28 was operating at cruise altitude and receiving advisories from air traffic control (ATC). ATC issued a SIGMET for turbulence. At that time, the pilot noted that the fuel level was becoming low.

Attempted Diversion

The pilot decided to land at a nearby airport and communicated this to ATC. ATC advised that the desired airport was at the 12 o'clock position and 8 miles away. Radar service was subsequently terminated.

Fuel Exhaustion and Forced Landing

Shortly after radar service was terminated, the aircraft's fuel supply was exhausted. The pilot was unable to locate the airport and attempted a forced landing on a highway. While aligning with the highway, the aircraft struck trees and a road sign.

Impact and Ground Contact

Upon contacting the ground, the nose wheel collapsed, causing the aircraft to nose over. The aircraft slid approximately 150 to 200 feet before coming to rest against a guard rail.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Dec 1988 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Chambersburg, PA?

A Piper PA-28 pilot, receiving ATC advisories, experienced low fuel and attempted to land at a nearby airport but ran out of fuel. Unable to locate the airport, the pilot attempted a highway landing, striking trees and a road sign before nosing over and sliding into a guard rail.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Dec 1988 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N2179Y, operated by George Glomeau, at Chambersburg, PA.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27490. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.