Engine failure and stall during night ILS approach

Casualties unknown • Pasadena, TX, US

An aircraft experienced engine failure due to fuel exhaustion during a night IMC approach, resulting in a steep nose-down impact with the ground.

What happened

During a flight lasting 5.1 hours, the pilot attempted an ILS approach in night IMC conditions. An initial missed approach was executed after the pilot deviated beyond established limits regarding both altitude and course. During a second ILS approach, while positioned between the Final Approach Fix (FAF) and the threshold, the aircraft suffered an engine failure.

Following the loss of engine power, the pilot allowed the aircraft to stall, which led to a steep nose-down impact with the ground in a left wing-leading attitude. There were no specific injury or fatality counts provided in the source material.

Prior to the flight, the pilot had planned an estimated time en route (ETE) of 3:45 and reported having 6:00 hours of fuel on board. However, throughout the trip, the aircraft encountered head winds ranging from 35 to 40 knots. On four separate occasions, air traffic controllers queried the pilot regarding sufficient fuel reserves to reach the destination. During the final leg of the flight, the pilot overflew at least three suitable alternate airports.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion, exacerbated by the pilot's failure to request wind aloft information and the presence of significant head winds during the flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-03-22 Piper PA-24-180 accident near Pasadena, TX?

An aircraft experienced engine failure due to fuel exhaustion during a night IMC approach, resulting in a steep nose-down impact with the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-03-22 involved a Piper PA-24-180, registration N888G, operated by Channel Aviation, Inc., at Pasadena, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion, exacerbated by the pilot's failure to request wind aloft information and the presence of significant head winds during the flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16599. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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