Casualties unknown

Pilot Exhausts Fuel, Makes Forced Landing in Quarry After Declining Alternate Airport (N1613P)

Avoca, PA, US

On July 23, 1995, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N1613P) was involved in an aviation accident near Avoca, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's poor inflight decision and improper fuel management resulting in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing over rocky terrain. 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 reported no reserve fuel, declined a closer alternate airport, and continued to the planned destination. The engine lost power two miles out, leading to a forced landing in a stone quarry. About one quart of fuel remained.

Incident Details

During a cross-country flight, an approach controller asked the pilot how much fuel remained. The pilot replied that there was no reserve fuel. The controller then advised the pilot of an alternate airport that was closer than the planned destination. Despite this, the pilot elected to proceed to the planned destination.

Fuel and Engine Failure

As the aircraft approached the destination airport, about two miles from the field, the engine lost total power. The pilot performed a forced landing, touching down in a stone quarry. An FAA inspector later examined the fuel tanks and found approximately one quart of fuel remaining.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft. According to the pilot, the forced landing resulted from weather-related fuel exhaustion at the end of the cross-country trip. The pilot also commented that closer attention to head winds and alternate airports could have prevented the accident.

Aftermath

The aircraft sustained damage in the forced landing. No further details about occupants or injuries were provided in the investigation source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04071. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.