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Pilot Forced to Land After Fuel Exhaustion During Diversion (N6244W)

Dale, IN, US

On September 23, 1994, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N6244W) was involved in an aviation accident near Dale, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to assure an adequate fuel supply for the flight. Factors associated with the accident were poor preflight planning, inattentiveness to the fuel supply during the flight, the ditch, and the utility pole which was contacted during the… 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 diverted to an alternate airport after a missed approach due to a rainstorm experienced a total loss of engine power from fuel exhaustion, leading to a forced landing off a road where the right wing struck a telephone pole.

Flight and Missed Approach

The pilot flew to an airport that was intended as a refueling stop. Upon arrival, a rain storm necessitated a missed approach. The pilot then proceeded en route to an alternate airport.

Loss of Engine Power and Forced Landing

While en route to the alternate airport, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot selected a road on which to perform a forced landing. However, due to vehicle traffic on the road, the pilot had to veer the airplane off the roadway.

Collision with Obstacle

The airplane crossed a ditch during the off-road maneuver, and the right wing contacted a telephone pole.

Post-Accident Inspection

A post-accident inspection of the airplane revealed fuel exhaustion. The pilot stated that she did not monitor the fuel gages as well as she should have.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Sept 1994 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Dale, IN?

A pilot diverted to an alternate airport after a missed approach due to a rainstorm experienced a total loss of engine power from fuel exhaustion, leading to a forced landing off a road where the right wing struck a telephone pole.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Sept 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N6244W, at Dale, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to assure an adequate fuel supply for the flight. Factors associated with the accident were poor preflight planning, inattentiveness to the fuel supply during the flight, the ditch, and the utility pole which was contacted during the forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02229. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.