Casualties unknown

Power Loss After Crosswind Landing Practice Leads to Off-Field Landing (N9041P)

Montgomery, NY, US

On June 2, 1994, a Piper PA-24-260 (registration N9041P) operated by Quade's Flight School was involved in an aviation accident near Montgomery, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply with an improper fuel selector position which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. A factor is the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During post-instruction crosswind landing practice, the aircraft experienced a power loss on climbout. The instructor later cited distraction and failure to verify fuel status. An off-field landing resulted in damage on rollout through a ditch.

Incident Overview

An instructor and a private pilot student had completed instrument instruction. Following this, at the student's request, they practiced crosswind landings. According to the instructor, "I was distracted by his performance and remiss in verification of fuel status in execution of before landing checklist. Power was lost on climbout. Additional check futile. Committed to off-field landing. Damage occurred on rollout through a ditch in terrain."

Examination Findings

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the airplane after the incident. Their inspection revealed that the left fuel tank was empty. The right fuel tank contained an undetermined amount of fuel.

Outcome

The aircraft sustained damage during the off-field landing when it rolled through a ditch. No other details regarding injuries or aircraft type were provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01453. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.