FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Fuel Exhaustion After Multiple Unsuccessful Approaches Leads to Crash (N1139X)

Tipp City, OH, US

On February 21, 1989, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N1139X) was involved in an aviation accident near Tipp City, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PLANNING BY THE PILOT RESULTING IN FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE PILOTS LACK OF EQUIPMENT AND ABILITY TO HANDLE THE WEATHER SITUATION WAS IGNORED BY THE PILOT IN HIS PLANNING FOR THE FLIGHT. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot who had not flown for 10 years purchased an aircraft and flew on a family vacation. After refueling and noting low ceilings at the destination, the pilot flew in instrument meteorological conditions for about two hours and attempted seven unsuccessful approaches before fuel exhaustion caused a crash one mile from the runway threshold.

Background

The pilot in command (PIC) had not flown for 10 years. He purchased the aircraft and flew on a family vacation for two days before heading home.

Refueling Stop

During a refueling stop, the PIC checked the weather and noted low ceilings at the intended destination.

Approach Attempts

After arriving in the destination terminal area, the PIC obtained weather information from air traffic control (ATC) and requested a VOR approach. The aircraft was not equipped for the approach, nor was it IFR certified. Additionally, the navigation instruments were not checked for correct operation before flight.

The PIC flew in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) for approximately two hours and executed seven unsuccessful approaches, including VOR, localizer (LOC), and instrument landing system (ILS) approaches.

Crash

Fuel was eventually exhausted, and the aircraft crashed about one mile from the runway threshold.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Feb 1989 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Tipp City, OH?

A pilot who had not flown for 10 years purchased an aircraft and flew on a family vacation. After refueling and noting low ceilings at the destination, the pilot flew in instrument meteorological conditions for about two hours and attempted seven unsuccessful approaches before fuel exhaustion caused a crash one mile…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Feb 1989 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N1139X, at Tipp City, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER PLANNING BY THE PILOT RESULTING IN FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE PILOTS LACK OF EQUIPMENT AND ABILITY TO HANDLE THE WEATHER SITUATION WAS IGNORED BY THE PILOT IN HIS PLANNING FOR THE FLIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27687. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.