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Aircraft Collides with Approach Lights and Terrain During Forced Landing Following Engine Failure (N8075S)

N. Myrtle Beach, SC, US

On December 8, 1994, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N8075S) was involved in an aviation accident near N. Myrtle Beach, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY PRE-FLIGHT THE AIRPLANE TO ENSURE THE LEFT FUEL TANK COVER WAS PROPERLY SECURED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft originating from Linden, New Jersey experienced an engine failure on final approach to Runway 23 at North Myrtle Beach Airport, resulting in a collision with approach lights and terrain during a forced landing. Examination revealed no fuel in either tank and a missing left fuel cap.

Flight and Incident

A flight that originated from Linden, New Jersey, around 1630 Eastern Standard Time, collided with approach lights and terrain during a forced landing at North Myrtle Beach Airport. The aircraft was on a two-mile final approach to Runway 23 when the engine quit.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that both fuel tank gauges indicated empty, but the pilot believed the left fuel gauge was inaccurate. Despite the gauge readings, the pilot continued the approach, subsequently losing engine power and executing a forced landing.

Wreckage Examination

During the subsequent wreckage examination, no fuel was found in either fuel tank. Additionally, the left fuel cap was missing from the left wing. The right fuel cap had been placed on the left fuel tank and functioned normally.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Dec 1994 Piper PA-28-161 accident near N. Myrtle Beach, SC?

An aircraft originating from Linden, New Jersey experienced an engine failure on final approach to Runway 23 at North Myrtle Beach Airport, resulting in a collision with approach lights and terrain during a forced landing. Examination revealed no fuel in either tank and a missing left fuel cap.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Dec 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N8075S, at N. Myrtle Beach, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY PRE-FLIGHT THE AIRPLANE TO ENSURE THE LEFT FUEL TANK COVER WAS PROPERLY SECURED.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02680. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.