On August 1, 1989, a Mooney M20C (registration N6249U) operated by Moore, Clinton H. was involved in an aviation accident near Fouke, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INACCURATE FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION, AT NIGHT. THE ENSUING FORCED LANDING RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH A FENCEPOST, GROUND SWERVE, AND COLLAPSE OF THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Pilot continued without refueling after airport was unattended. Engine quit 15 miles from destination. Night emergency landing resulted in fence strike and right main gear collapse. Tanks found empty of usable fuel.
Incident Details
The pilot reported that before departing from the last stop, he was unable to purchase fuel because the airport was unattended at the time. Despite this, he continued the flight without refueling. Approximately 15 miles from the destination airport, the engine quit. An emergency landing was attempted during dark night conditions. During the landing, the aircraft struck a fence, then spun around, causing the right main landing gear to collapse.
Post-Flight Investigation
A post-flight examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel tanks were empty of usable fuel. No other anomalies were reported.