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Fuel Exhaustion Forces Emergency Landing and Nose-Over in Aerial Application Flight (N10112)

Pioneer, LA, US

On June 16, 1994, an Air Tractor AT-401 (registration N10112) operated by Rye, Steven D. was involved in an aviation accident near Pioneer, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not refuel prior to the last aerial application flight for the morning, resulting in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. 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 did not refuel before an aerial application flight. Fuel pressure loss occurred at 50 feet during climb. The airplane nosed over during forced landing in rough terrain, causing structural damage.

Event Overview

An aerial application flight experienced a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot had not refueled the aircraft prior to the last flight of the morning.

Sequence of Events

During the left crosswind initial climb, at approximately 50 feet above ground level, the fuel pressure warning light illuminated. Immediately afterward, the engine lost all power. The pilot initiated a forced landing in rough terrain. During the landing, the airplane nosed over.

Damage Assessment

The nose-over resulted in structural damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and left wing.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that the airplane "ran out of fuel."

Probable cause

The pilot did not refuel prior to the last aerial application flight for the morning, resulting in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jun 1994 Air Tractor AT-401 accident near Pioneer, LA?

A pilot did not refuel before an aerial application flight. Fuel pressure loss occurred at 50 feet during climb. The airplane nosed over during forced landing in rough terrain, causing structural damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jun 1994 involved an Air Tractor AT-401, registration N10112, operated by Rye, Steven D., at Pioneer, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot did not refuel prior to the last aerial application flight for the morning, resulting in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01533. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.