On May 14, 1993, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N39663) operated by Flight Dynamics, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Dougherty, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL EXHAUSTION POWER LOSS DUE TO REFUELING NOT PERFORMED BY THE PILOT. A FACTOR WAS LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot did not refuel after a previous flight, leading to fuel exhaustion. The right main landing gear collapsed when the airplane impacted plowed furrows.
Preflight and Fuel Status
Records indicated that the airplane contained 48 gallons of usable fuel before it was flown for 2.3 hours by another pilot. Prior to departure for the cross-country flight, the private pilot performed a preflight inspection but did not refuel the airplane.
Fuel Consumption and Remaining Fuel
Performance data review indicated a fuel consumption rate of 10 gallons per hour. Total flight time without refueling was 4.6 hours. At the accident site, approximately 21 ounces of fuel remained in each wing tank and 3 ounces in the fuel gascolator.
Accident Sequence
The right main landing gear collapsed as the airplane impacted plowed furrows.
What happened in the 14 May 1993 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Dougherty, TX?
A private pilot did not refuel after a previous flight, leading to fuel exhaustion. The right main landing gear collapsed when the airplane impacted plowed furrows.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 May 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N39663, operated by Flight Dynamics, Inc., at Dougherty, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FUEL EXHAUSTION POWER LOSS DUE TO REFUELING NOT PERFORMED BY THE PILOT. A FACTOR WAS LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN
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