On April 6, 1993, a Piper PA-24 (registration N5541P) operated by Kringle, Wendell K. was involved in an aviation accident near Casper, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL EXHAUSTION, AND THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S POOR INFLIGHT DECISION. FACTORS INCLUDE AN INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot who did not visually verify fuel quantity before departure and encountered persistent strong headwinds refiled for a more distant airport. Fuel exhaustion occurred while on ILS final approach to the alternate destination.
Flight Details
The pilot in command did not personally perform a visual check of the fuel quantity prior to departure. Throughout the planned route, the aircraft experienced unexpectedly strong headwinds. While approximately 15 minutes short of the original destination, the pilot refiled for a more distant airport.
En Route Conditions
The flight continued to encounter strong headwinds while proceeding to the refiled destination. Weather at the refiled destination was reported to be considerably lower than that at the original destination.
Final Approach and Fuel Exhaustion
Fuel exhaustion occurred while the aircraft was on an Instrument Landing System (ILS) final approach to the refiled destination.
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