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Forced Landing Due to Fuel Exhaustion Short of Destination (N5483P)

Decatur, IN, US

On November 23, 1989, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N5483P) operated by Philip Railsback was involved in an aviation accident near Decatur, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of initial fuel quantity and failure to account for higher en route power settings, which led to fuel exhaustion. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot misjudged initial fuel quantity and failed to account for higher en route power settings, resulting in fuel exhaustion 15 miles short of the nearest airport during a cross-country flight.

What happened

During a cross-country flight, the pilot reported being low on fuel and requested vectors to the nearest airport. Despite these efforts, fuel exhaustion occurred approximately 15 miles short of the destination. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field, during which the airplane sustained damage.

The investigation

The investigation revealed that the pilot misjudged the initial fuel quantity at takeoff. Additionally, the pilot failed to account for the higher en route power settings used during the flight, which contributed significantly to the depletion of fuel reserves before reaching the intended airport.

Findings

The primary factors leading to this incident were the fuel exhaustion and the pilot's error in planning. Specifically:

  • Misjudgment of initial fuel quantity at takeoff
  • Failure to account for higher en route power settings

These errors resulted in the aircraft running out of fuel well before reaching the nearest airport, necessitating an emergency landing.

Probable cause

The pilot's misjudgment of initial fuel quantity and failure to account for higher en route power settings, which led to fuel exhaustion.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Nov 1989 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Decatur, IN?

A pilot misjudged initial fuel quantity and failed to account for higher en route power settings, resulting in fuel exhaustion 15 miles short of the nearest airport during a cross-country flight.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Nov 1989 Piper PA-24-250 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Nov 1989 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N5483P, operated by Philip Railsback, at Decatur, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudgment of initial fuel quantity and failure to account for higher en route power settings, which led to fuel exhaustion.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29756. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.