On October 26, 1992, a Piper PA-30 (registration N7629Y) operated by Sun Belt Aviation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Hillsboro, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to refuel the aircraft at an overnight stop, which led to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot ran out of fuel during a cross-country flight after failing to refuel at an overnight stop, resulting in a forced landing where the aircraft sustained significant damage.
What happened
A private pilot was conducting a private cross-country flight covering a distance of 536 nautical miles. The flight duration before the fuel exhaustion event was four hours and twelve minutes. The pilot departed with 84 gallons of fuel on board but chose not to refuel during an overnight stop along the route.
On the return leg of the journey, the aircraft ran out of fuel. The pilot initiated a forced landing attempt in the vicinity of an interstate highway. During the landing roll, both main landing gears collapsed. Subsequently, the left wing impacted a utility pole.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanical condition of the aircraft following the accident. It was determined that both main landing gears had collapsed during the landing roll. The impact with the utility pole resulted in damage to the left wing.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to refuel the aircraft at an overnight stop, which led to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing.
What happened in the 26 Oct 1992 Piper PA-30 accident near Hillsboro, TX?
A private pilot ran out of fuel during a cross-country flight after failing to refuel at an overnight stop, resulting in a forced landing where the aircraft sustained significant damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 Oct 1992 Piper PA-30 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Oct 1992 involved a Piper PA-30, registration N7629Y, operated by Sun Belt Aviation Inc., at Hillsboro, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to refuel the aircraft at an overnight stop, which led to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing.
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