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Casualties unknown

Student Pilot and Passenger in Night Emergency Landing After Total Power Loss (N55234)

Bulverde, TX, US

On August 28, 1990, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N55234) operated by Hangar Aviation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Bulverde, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: MISMANAGEMENT OF THE FUEL SUPPLY RESULTING IN FUEL STARVATION. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE AIRPLANE, THE DARK NIGHT CONDITION, AND THE TREES. 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 student pilot and passenger experienced a total non-mechanical power loss during a night cross-country flight. After rejecting an alternate airport, the pilot later requested vectors but impacted trees near the field. Fuel examination revealed an empty right tank with the selector on that tank.

Incident Overview

A student pilot and one passenger were conducting a night cross-country flight when a total non-mechanical loss of engine power occurred. The pilot was in communication with air traffic control (ATC) and requested clearance to land. ATC granted the request and offered information about a closer airport. The pilot initially declined the alternate airport and requested to continue inbound.

Attempted Restart and Diversion

According to the passenger, the pilot made numerous attempts to restart the engine during the forced landing but could not do so. After about one minute, the pilot requested vectors to the alternate airport, which were provided by ATC. The pilot established a 70 mph glide toward the airport and continued restart attempts, switching fuel tanks several times and using the primer.

Accident and Aftermath

The airplane impacted trees approximately one mile southwest of the alternate airport. Post-accident examination of the fuel tanks revealed the right tank was empty and the left tank was one-quarter full. The fuel selector was found positioned to the right tank. The engine was successfully test run after the accident, indicating no mechanical failure.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Aug 1990 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Bulverde, TX?

A student pilot and passenger experienced a total non-mechanical power loss during a night cross-country flight. After rejecting an alternate airport, the pilot later requested vectors but impacted trees near the field. Fuel examination revealed an empty right tank with the selector on that tank.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Aug 1990 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N55234, operated by Hangar Aviation Inc., at Bulverde, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

MISMANAGEMENT OF THE FUEL SUPPLY RESULTING IN FUEL STARVATION. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE AIRPLANE, THE DARK NIGHT CONDITION, AND THE TREES.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24003. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.