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Fuel Starvation Leads to Stall and Crash During IFR Flight Near Nashville (N7457P)

Franklin, TN, US

On March 30, 1991, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N7457P) operated by Hannasch, Thomas P. was involved in an aviation accident near Franklin, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SELECT A PROPER FUEL TANK FOR FLIGHT, RESULTING IN FUEL STARVATION TO THE ENGINE, AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE STOPPAGE. 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

During an IFR flight, a private pilot encountered icing, requested descent and an ILS approach, then reported power loss and stalling before crashing. Inspection found an empty auxiliary fuel tank with the selector still in that position.

Incident Overview

A private pilot operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) was en route to St. Louis. While approaching the Nashville, Tennessee area, the pilot encountered icing conditions and requested a descent. After the icing persisted, the pilot requested an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Nashville.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft crashed approximately 12 miles south-southwest of the Nashville airport. Shortly before impact, the pilot reported that the engine had lost power and that the aircraft was stalling.

Wreckage Examination

Post-accident inspection of the wreckage revealed that the left auxiliary fuel tank was empty of fuel. Additionally, the fuel selector valve was found positioned to the 'left aux' tank setting. No evidence of pre-existing mechanical malfunction or failure was discovered in the examination.

Conclusion

The investigation determined that the aircraft's loss of power was due to fuel starvation, as the left auxiliary tank was depleted and the selector valve had not been moved to a tank containing fuel.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Mar 1991 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Franklin, TN?

During an IFR flight, a private pilot encountered icing, requested descent and an ILS approach, then reported power loss and stalling before crashing. Inspection found an empty auxiliary fuel tank with the selector still in that position.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Mar 1991 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N7457P, operated by Hannasch, Thomas P., at Franklin, TN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SELECT A PROPER FUEL TANK FOR FLIGHT, RESULTING IN FUEL STARVATION TO THE ENGINE, AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE STOPPAGE. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE EVALUATION OF THE WEATHER CONDITIONS ALONG HIS ROUTE OF FLIGHT, AND HIS FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS (ICING).

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16541. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.