Casualties unknown

Aircraft Crashes After Fuel Exhaustion During ILS Approach in IMC Conditions (N5174P)

Sandston, VA, US

On December 1, 1991, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N5174P) operated by Michael Kroll was involved in an aviation accident near Sandston, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion. 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

Aircraft on a five-hour flight departed with full fuel. After altitude changes, headwinds, and an off-course vector, pilots elected to stop short for fuel. During an ILS approach in IMC, the aircraft ran out of fuel and crashed into a partially wooded area.

Flight Departure and Initial Conditions

The flight departed with full fuel tanks, planned for a duration of five hours. During the en-route phase, air traffic control issued several altitude changes. At times, these changes placed the aircraft into headwinds stronger than anticipated. Additionally, controllers provided one significant vector that took the aircraft off its intended course.

Fuel Management Diversion

Later in the flight, the flight crew decided to stop short of their original destination in order to obtain fuel. This decision was made presumably due to the additional fuel consumption from the altered routing and stronger headwinds. The aircraft then proceeded to conduct an instrument landing system (ILS) approach at the diversion airport.

Approach and Crash

The approach was conducted in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). During the ILS approach, the aircraft's fuel supply became exhausted. Consequently, the aircraft lost engine power and crashed into a partially wooded area. The source does not specify any injuries or fatalities, and the aircraft type, registration, and operator are not provided.

Probable cause

Fuel exhaustion

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18545. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.