Casualties unknown

Night Power Loss Forces Beach Landing (N6375P)

Monmouth Beach, NJ, US

On July 1, 1994, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N6375P) operated by Aero Trace Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Monmouth Beach, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL STARVATION, FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR WAS THE NIGHT CONDITIONS. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a power loss while cruising at 9500 feet at night, resulting in a forced landing in the surf next to a beach. Post-accident investigation found fuel imbalance but no reason for fuel flow interruption.

Incident Overview

A pilot was cruising at 9500 feet during nighttime hours when a sudden power loss occurred. Unable to reach an airport, the pilot executed a forced landing in the surf adjacent to a beach.

Post-Accident Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a post-accident investigation. Inspection of the fuel system revealed approximately 5 to 10 gallons of fuel in the right fuel tank, while the left fuel tank was empty. The fuel line leading to the carburetor was also empty, despite the overall fuel system being intact. Further examination did not identify a reason for the lack of fuel flow to the engine.

Conclusion

The investigation documented the fuel state and system integrity but found no specific fault that would explain the interruption of fuel delivery. The event highlights the challenges of diagnosing power loss causes in post-accident scenarios.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01607. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.