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.
What happened in the 6 Apr 1993 Piper PA-24 accident near Casper, WY?
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.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Apr 1993 involved a Piper PA-24, registration N5541P, operated by Kringle, Wendell K., at Casper, WY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FUEL EXHAUSTION, AND THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S POOR INFLIGHT DECISION. FACTORS INCLUDE AN INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…