On May 11, 1990, a Piper PA-36-300 (registration N3749E) operated by Shelby Air Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Shelby, MS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft lost engine power at low altitude following crop dusting operations due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in a forced landing that damaged the wings and landing gear.
What happened
The pilot departed the airport with approximately seven gallons of fuel onboard. During the flight, the crew completed three spray passes as part of an agricultural operation. While pulling up to return to land after the final pass, the engine lost power at an altitude of about 150 feet above ground level. The pilot executed a forced landing in a nearby field. Upon inspection, the wings and landing gear were found to be damaged.
The investigation
A mechanical examination of the airplane was conducted to determine the cause of the power loss. The investigation revealed that the engine had lost power due to fuel exhaustion.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing.
What happened in the 11 May 1990 Piper PA-36-300 accident near Shelby, MS?
An aircraft lost engine power at low altitude following crop dusting operations due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in a forced landing that damaged the wings and landing gear.
Were there any fatalities in the 11 May 1990 Piper PA-36-300 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 May 1990 involved a Piper PA-36-300, registration N3749E, operated by Shelby Air Service, Inc., at Shelby, MS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing.
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