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Pilot Falls Asleep, Ditches Aircraft in Gulf of Mexico After Fuel Exhaustion (N1247T)

Gulf OF Mexico, US

On February 17, 1994, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N1247T) operated by Rich, James Bell was involved in an aviation accident near Gulf OF Mexico. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot fell asleep while en route from Springfield, Kentucky to Crossville, Tennessee. Waking five hours later over the Gulf of Mexico with minimal fuel, he declared mayday and was assisted by Coast Guard and Air Force aircraft before ditching.

Incident Overview

A pilot flying from Springfield, Kentucky to Crossville, Tennessee fell asleep during the flight. When he awoke approximately five hours later, he discovered his aircraft was over the Gulf of Mexico, 210 miles south of Panama City, Florida. At that point, only 20 minutes of fuel remained.

Sequence of Events

The pilot declared a mayday on the emergency frequency 121.5. He received assistance from Coast Guard and United States Air Force aircraft, which directed him toward the nearest suitable airport, St. Petersburg, Florida. While en route to St. Petersburg, the engines quit due to fuel exhaustion. The aircraft was subsequently ditched in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 70 miles west of St. Petersburg.

Rescue Operation

A Coast Guard helicopter rescued the pilot after the ditching. The pilot was safely recovered from the water. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or pilot condition were provided in the source.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

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

A pilot fell asleep while en route from Springfield, Kentucky to Crossville, Tennessee. Waking five hours later over the Gulf of Mexico with minimal fuel, he declared mayday and was assisted by Coast Guard and Air Force aircraft before ditching.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Feb 1994 Piper PA-34-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Feb 1994 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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00805. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.