On January 7, 1996, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N424WA) was involved in an aviation accident near Gulfport, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot, and inadequate supply of fuel in the airplane, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent ditching at sea. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot added 20 gallons of fuel, estimating 85 gallons on board, but both engines lost power approximately three hours into the flight. The airplane ditched about 1-1/4 mile south of the shore; post-recovery inspection found no fuel in the intact system.
Preflight and Fuel Planning
During preflight planning, the pilot estimated that the flight would require 67 gallons of fuel. He added 20 gallons to the aircraft fuel system and estimated that 85 gallons of fuel were on board at takeoff. The pilot did not report that the airplane was topped off with fuel before departing.
Loss of Power and Ditching
Approximately three hours into the flight, both engines lost power about two miles south of the shoreline. The airplane was subsequently ditched about 1-1/4 mile south of the shore.
Post-Accident Examination
After the airplane was recovered from the water, an examination of the fuel system revealed that no fuel was present. The fuel system was found to be intact during the inspection.
What happened in the 7 Jan 1996 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Gulfport, MS?
A pilot added 20 gallons of fuel, estimating 85 gallons on board, but both engines lost power approximately three hours into the flight. The airplane ditched about 1-1/4 mile south of the shore; post-recovery inspection found no fuel in the intact system.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Jan 1996 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N424WA, at Gulfport, MS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot, and inadequate supply of fuel in the airplane, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent ditching at sea.
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