On August 31, 1990, a Piper PA25-235 (registration N7330Z) operated by Jimmie D. Hurt was involved in an aviation accident near Logansport, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial instrument-rated pilot executed a forced landing in a corn field after depleting fuel during a personal flight, resulting in substantial aircraft damage but no injuries.
What happened
The accident airplane performed a forced landing in a corn field after running out of fuel during a personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged during the off-airport landing although the commercial instrument rated pilot was not injured. During a post accident interview with FAA inspectors, the pilot stated that he ran out of fuel.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this incident was fuel exhaustion. The pilot acknowledged running out of fuel during the flight.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing.