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Fuel Starvation Leads to Power Loss and Stall During Touch-and-Go Practice (N9134A)

Sanford, FL, US

On March 5, 1994, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N9134A) was involved in an aviation accident near Sanford, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED DURING THE FORCED LANDING RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL/MUSH. THE TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER CAUSED BY FUEL STARVATION DUE TO INATTENTIVENESS BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND (CFI) TO THE FUEL SUPPLY WAS ALSO A CAUSE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During touch-and-go landings, the engine lost power twice from fuel starvation; the left tank was empty, the right tank had 15.4 gallons. On the second loss, the airplane stalled and impacted the ground.

Sequence of Events

During the upwind leg after the fourth or fifth touch-and-go landing, the engine experienced a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. The flight instructor (CFI) took the controls and landed the airplane on the runway, but there was insufficient runway remaining to stop. During the landing roll, the engine power was restored, and the CFI elected to take off to return for landing.

During the subsequent upwind leg, the engine again experienced a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. During the left turn to return to the airport, the airplane stalled and impacted the ground with the nose and left wing low.

Fuel Selector and Tank Contents

The fuel selector was positioned to the left tank for the duration of the flight. The left fuel tank was empty. The right fuel tank contained 15.4 gallons of fuel.

Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvationAerodynamic stall

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Mar 1994 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Sanford, FL?

During touch-and-go landings, the engine lost power twice from fuel starvation; the left tank was empty, the right tank had 15.4 gallons. On the second loss, the airplane stalled and impacted the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Mar 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N9134A, at Sanford, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED DURING THE FORCED LANDING RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL/MUSH. THE TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER CAUSED BY FUEL STARVATION DUE TO INATTENTIVENESS BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND (CFI) TO THE FUEL SUPPLY WAS ALSO A CAUSE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00950. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.