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Casualties unknown

Fuel Exhaustion Forces Emergency Landing After Engine Surge (N44AC)

Laredo, TX, US

On April 21, 1994, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N44AC) operated by Aeropac was involved in an aviation accident near Laredo, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion resulting from the pilot not checking the fuel tanks during preflight and relying solely on the fuel gauges. 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 reported that about 5 miles from the destination, both engines surged and lost power due to fuel exhaustion. He executed a forced landing into brush-covered terrain, stating he relied on fuel gauges rather than visually checking tanks during preflight.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's statement, approximately 5 miles short of the destination airport, the right engine low fuel light illuminated and the engine began to surge. Shortly thereafter, the left engine also surged, and both engines subsequently lost total power due to fuel exhaustion.

Forced Landing

After the total power loss, the pilot executed a forced landing. The aircraft touched down in rough, brush-covered terrain.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that he did not check the fuel tanks during the preflight inspection. Instead, he relied on the fuel gauges, which he thought indicated sufficient fuel for the planned flight.

Probable cause

Fuel exhaustion resulting from the pilot not checking the fuel tanks during preflight and relying solely on the fuel gauges.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Apr 1994 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Laredo, TX?

A pilot reported that about 5 miles from the destination, both engines surged and lost power due to fuel exhaustion. He executed a forced landing into brush-covered terrain, stating he relied on fuel gauges rather than visually checking tanks during preflight.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Apr 1994 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N44AC, operated by Aeropac, at Laredo, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fuel exhaustion resulting from the pilot not checking the fuel tanks during preflight and relying solely on the fuel gauges.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01113. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.