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Casualties unknown

Engine Quits After Fuel Exhaustion; No Evidence of Leakage Found (N322A)

Fayette, MS, US

On April 2, 1992, a Bell 47-D-1 (registration N322A) operated by Darre J. Ward was involved in an aviation accident near Fayette, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMANDS FAILURE TO INSURE THE PROPER FUEL QUANTITY FOR THE FLIGHT WAS PLACED ON THE AIRCRAFT AND HIS FAILURE TO MONITOR FUEL QUANTITY DURING FLIGHT RESULTING IN 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Pilot reported fuel exhaustion after topping tanks to 29 gallons, but FAA inspectors found no evidence of fuel leakage from the strainer drain.

Accident Overview

An aircraft experienced an engine failure approximately one hour after takeoff. The pilot reported that the engine quit due to fuel exhaustion. According to the pilot, the fuel tanks had been topped to the 29-gallon level prior to departure.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that the fuel strainer drain had leaked, causing the loss of fuel and subsequent power loss. The pilot attributed the engine failure to this leakage.

FAA Inspection

Two FAA inspectors examined the aircraft after the accident. Their inspection found no evidence of fuel leakage, either before or after the crash. The fuel strainer drain valve was tested and found to operate normally, with no indications of leakage. The inspectors' findings contradicted the pilot's account of a leak.

No further details about the aircraft, location, or occupants were provided in the source.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Apr 1992 Bell 47-D-1 accident near Fayette, MS?

Pilot reported fuel exhaustion after topping tanks to 29 gallons, but FAA inspectors found no evidence of fuel leakage from the strainer drain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Apr 1992 involved a Bell 47-D-1, registration N322A, operated by Darre J. Ward, at Fayette, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT IN COMMANDS FAILURE TO INSURE THE PROPER FUEL QUANTITY FOR THE FLIGHT WAS PLACED ON THE AIRCRAFT AND HIS FAILURE TO MONITOR FUEL QUANTITY DURING FLIGHT RESULTING IN FUEL EXHAUSTION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14479. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.