On October 6, 1993, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N8339C) operated by Larry G. Andrew was involved in an aviation accident near Allendale, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, AFTER ENCOUNTERING UNFAVORABLE WINDS AND A LOW FUEL LEVEL, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE UNFAVORABLE WIND WAS A RELATED FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a cross-country flight, the pilot encountered stronger winds than expected. While behind schedule, the engine sputtered and stopped with fuel gauges reading zero. A forced landing on a rural road resulted in a collision with a mailbox.
Incident Summary
A pilot conducting a cross-country flight experienced a forced landing after the engine stopped. The aircraft subsequently struck a steel-reinforced mailbox during the landing roll on a rural road.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, he encountered stronger winds than anticipated during the flight. As a result, he was 20 minutes past his estimated time en route while still 50 miles short of his intended destination. The pilot reported that the engine began to sputter and then stopped when both fuel gauges indicated zero. He executed a forced landing on a rural road.
Damage
During the landing roll, the airplane struck a steel-reinforced mailbox. No further details about damage to the aircraft or the mailbox were provided.
Probable Cause
The source does not state a probable cause for the event.
What happened in the 6 Oct 1993 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Allendale, MI?
During a cross-country flight, the pilot encountered stronger winds than expected. While behind schedule, the engine sputtered and stopped with fuel gauges reading zero. A forced landing on a rural road resulted in a collision with a mailbox.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Oct 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N8339C, operated by Larry G. Andrew, at Allendale, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, AFTER ENCOUNTERING UNFAVORABLE WINDS AND A LOW FUEL LEVEL, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE UNFAVORABLE WIND WAS A RELATED FACTOR.
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