On November 14, 1994, a Piper PA-23-160 (registration N3323P) operated by US Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Casper, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot experienced a dual engine power loss during cruise flight after 4 hours 15 minutes of a planned 4+20 flight with 5 hours of fuel. The forced landing resulted in a gear-up touchdown on rough terrain.
Flight Planning and Fuel Management
The flight was planned for 4 hours and 20 minutes duration with 5 hours of fuel onboard. The aircraft was not equipped with fuel flow gauges, and the pilot reported that the fuel gauges were inaccurate when the tanks were less than half full.
Power Loss and Forced Landing
While in cruise flight, after 4 hours and 15 minutes of flight time, both engines lost power. The pilot initiated a forced landing to an open area. During the landing, which was performed with the landing gear retracted, the airplane collided with rough terrain.
Post-Crash Inspection
Post-crash inspection of the airplane revealed only a small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tanks.