On September 15, 1991, a Piper PA-24-260 (registration N8888P) operated by James W. Hager was involved in an aviation accident near Tehachapi, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot knowingly departed with insufficient fuel to reach his destination, intending to run the tanks dry for calibration. After overflying his first refueling option due to altitude, the engine quit during descent. A forced landing in a cow pasture resulted in collision with small berms.
Incident Overview
A pilot intentionally departed on a cross-country flight despite knowing that the fuel tanks did not contain enough fuel to reach the intended destination. The purpose of the flight was to run the fuel tanks dry in order to check the calibration of the fuel quantity indication system during an annual inspection.
Sequence of Events
During the flight, due to his altitude, the pilot overflew his first choice for refueling. At that time, the fuel quantity indication became erratic. As he began his letdown for a second landing option, the engine quit.
Forced Landing and Collision
The pilot attempted to land in a cow pasture. During the landing, the aircraft collided with small berms present in the field.
