Casualties unknown

Fuel Exhaustion Leads to Forced Landing in Plowed Field (N6725P)

Ludington, MI, US

On September 25, 1995, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N6725P) was involved in an aviation accident near Ludington, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fuel exhaustion resulting from the pilot's inaccurate fuel calculations and the failure to refuel the airplane prior to takeoff. An additional cause was the stall/mush during the forced landing. 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 running out of fuel six miles from the destination, executing a forced landing in a plowed field. The aircraft sustained a hard flat impact, with no fuel found at the site or in the system.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that the aircraft experienced fuel exhaustion approximately six miles from the intended destination airport. In response, the pilot turned the airplane into the wind and attempted a forced landing in a plowed field.

Pilot Actions and Statements

The pilot stated that prior to departure, they were aware that the fuel supply might be insufficient to reach the planned destination, describing the situation as "probably stretching his fuel." Despite this awareness, the pilot did not refuel the airplane before takeoff.

Post-Accident Findings

Examination of the wreckage revealed evidence indicative of a hard flat impact upon landing. Investigators found no evidence of fuel at the accident site. Further inspection of the fuel system showed no evidence of fuel prior to impact.

Conclusion

The incident was precipitated by fuel exhaustion, with the pilot acknowledging the marginal fuel situation before departure. No other factors were identified in the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04468. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.