On August 22, 1994, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N7726Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Washington, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate inflight planning that resulted in fuel exhaustion. A factor was the unsuitable terrain, a plowed field, available for landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot returning from chemical spraying experienced an engine failure on base leg, resulting in a forced landing in a tobacco field and a bent wing spar. Post-accident inspection revealed fuel exhaustion.
Incident Overview
A pilot engaged in agricultural spraying operations completed a chemical application and was returning to the airport for refueling and reloading. While on a two-mile base leg, the engine ceased operation. The pilot executed a forced landing in a tobacco field. The landing resulted in structural damage to the aircraft, specifically a bent wing spar.
Pilot Actions and Fuel Management
In his report of the accident, the pilot stated that he relied on the fuel gauge to determine the remaining fuel quantity rather than tracking elapsed time. Post-accident inspection of the aircraft revealed approximately two gallons of fuel remaining. The aircraft's instrument panel placarded the unusable fuel quantity as two gallons, indicating that the usable fuel supply had been exhausted.
Investigation Findings
The investigation did not specify any additional causal factors beyond the fuel exhaustion. No other mechanical anomalies were reported. The pilot did not report any pre-impact mechanical issues with the engine. The forced landing was conducted in a field planted with tobacco, and the aircraft sustained structural damage to the wing spar.