1994-02-17: Piper PA-34-200 — Rich, James Bell

1994-02-17: Piper PA-34-200 — Rich, James Bell — Gulf OF Mexico

Casualties unknown • Gulf OF Mexico, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITION (FAILURE TO REMAIN AWAKE) RESULTING IN EXTENDED FLIGHT OVER WATER FOLLOWED BY FUEL EXHAUSTION, TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, AND DITCHING BEFORE RETURNING TO LAND.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT FELL ASLEEP WHILE ENROUTE FROM SPRINGFIELD, KY TO CROSSVILLE, TN WHEN HE AWOKE 5 HOURS LATER HE FOUND THAT HE WAS OVER THE GULF OF MEXICO, 210 MILES SOUTH OF PANAMA CITY, FL, AND HAD ONLY 20 MINUTES OF FUEL REMAING. HE DECLARED MAYDAY ON 121.5 AND WAS ASSISTED BY COAST GUARD AND AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT. THEY DIRECTED HIM TO THE NEAREST AIRPORT, ST. PETERSBURG, FL WHILE ENROUTE TO THE AIRPORT THE ENGINES QUIT DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS DITCHED, 70 MILES WEST OF ST. PETERSBURG. HE WAS RESCUED BY A COAST GUARD HELICOPTER.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-02-17 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Gulf OF Mexico?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-02-17 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N1247T, operated by Rich, James Bell, at Gulf OF Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITION (FAILURE TO REMAIN AWAKE) RESULTING IN EXTENDED FLIGHT OVER WATER FOLLOWED BY FUEL EXHAUSTION, TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, AND DITCHING BEFORE RETURNING TO LAND.

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