Casualties unknown

Engine Failure Due to Fuel Exhaustion Leads to Stall and Impact on ILS Approach (N888G)

Pasadena, TX, US

On March 22, 1991, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N888G) operated by Channel Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Pasadena, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot allowing the airplane to stall, leading to ground impact. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a second ILS approach at night in IMC, an airplane experienced an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion after a 5.1-hour flight. The pilot had planned 3:45 hours en route with 6 hours of fuel but encountered 35-40 knot headwinds. Controllers asked about fuel four times; the pilot overflew three suitable alternates. Following engine failure, the pilot allowed the airplane to stall, resulting in a steep nose-down, left-wing-leading impact.

Flight Overview

The airplane experienced an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion while on final approach between the final approach fix (FAF) and the threshold during a second ILS approach at night in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The flight had a total duration of 5.1 hours. The first ILS approach was missed after the pilot deviated beyond limits in both altitude and course.

Fuel Planning and Weather

The pilot had flight-planned an estimated time en route (ETE) of 3 hours 45 minutes and indicated that 6 hours of fuel were on board. The time at which fuel exhaustion occurred corresponded with performance data provided in the airplane owner's handbook. Although the pilot received a weather briefing prior to departure and obtained weather updates en route, he did not request wind aloft information. The flight encountered headwinds of 35 to 40 knots throughout the trip.

Communications and Alternate Airports

On four separate occasions, air traffic controllers asked the pilot if he had enough fuel to reach his destination. During the final leg of the flight, the pilot overflew at least three suitable alternate airports.

Engine Failure and Subsequent Stall

Following the engine failure due to fuel exhaustion, the pilot allowed the airplane to stall. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground in a steep nose-down, left-wing-leading attitude.

Probable cause

Engine failure due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot allowing the airplane to stall, leading to ground impact.

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.