On August 3, 1991, a Piper PA-31-310 (registration N504DB) operated by Ricardo Barbera was involved in an aviation accident near Byron, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion resulting in total loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airline transport pilot and three passengers experienced a total loss of power in both engines due to fuel exhaustion during a personal cross-country flight, resulting in an emergency landing 400 feet short of a runway.
Incident Overview
An airline transport pilot and three passengers were on a personal cross-country flight, which was the third flight of the day. The pilot reported that the airplane's fuel tanks had been filled prior to beginning the flights.
Loss of Power
When the airplane was about 40 miles short of its destination, both engines sustained a total loss of power due to fuel exhaustion.
Emergency Landing
During the ensuing emergency landing, the airplane touched down 400 feet short of a small airport runway. It collided with a fence and a ditch, shearing off the landing gear.
Post-Incident Inspection
No evidence of fuel leakage was found at the fuel caps or fuel drains.
Probable cause
Fuel exhaustion resulting in total loss of engine power