1991-07-15: Piper PA-25-235 — Arnold, Greg A. — Hawkinsville, GA

Casualties unknown • Hawkinsville, GA, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING, HIS FAILURE TO REFUEL THE AIRPLANE WHEN HE OBSERVED HIS FUEL SUPPLY GETTING LOW, AND THE RESULTANT EXHAUSTION OF HIS FUEL SUPPLY.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE AG PILOT WAS ON THE RETURN LEG OF A SPARE PARTS RUN. HE HAD NOT RECEIVED A WEATHER BRIEFING PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. PRIOR TO TAKEOFF, HE ESTIMATED THAT HE HAD ABOUT 22 GALLONS OF FUEL ON BOARD; ENOUGH FOR THE 45 MILE FLIGHT. EN ROUTE, HE ENCOUNTERED DEVELOPING THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY, AND DEVIATED HIS COURSE TO THE WEST. WHILE DEVIATING THE THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY, HE EXHAUSTED HIS FUEL SUPPLY. HE FORCE LANDED THE AIRPLANE IN A NEARBY PASTURE, BUT THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A TREE, RESULTING IN AIRFRAME DAMAGE.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-07-15 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Hawkinsville, GA?

THE AG PILOT WAS ON THE RETURN LEG OF A SPARE PARTS RUN. HE HAD NOT RECEIVED A WEATHER BRIEFING PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. PRIOR TO TAKEOFF, HE ESTIMATED THAT HE HAD ABOUT 22 GALLONS OF FUEL ON BOARD; ENOUGH FOR THE 45 MILE FLIGHT. EN ROUTE, HE ENCOUNTERED DEVELOPING THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY, AND DEVIATED HIS COURSE TO THE…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-07-15 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N4800P, operated by Arnold, Greg A., at Hawkinsville, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING, HIS FAILURE TO REFUEL THE AIRPLANE WHEN HE OBSERVED HIS FUEL SUPPLY GETTING LOW, AND THE RESULTANT EXHAUSTION OF HIS FUEL SUPPLY.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17443. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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