No fatalities

Engine Failure Due to Fuel Exhaustion Results in Forced Landing (N9640J)

Jasper, FL, US

On June 9, 1996, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N9640J) operated by Interstate Aircraft Services was involved in an aviation accident near Jasper, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inaccurate fuel consumption calculations which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. 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

A pilot added 15 gallons of fuel before departure, but the engine quit en route. After temporarily regaining power, the engine failed again, leading to a forced landing in a corn field. Post-accident inspection found minimal fuel remaining in both tanks.

Engine Failure During Flight

Before takeoff, the pilot added 15 gallons of fuel to the less-than-full fuel tanks. The flight departed and while en route, the engine quit. The pilot then repositioned the fuel selector and the engine regained power. The flight continued until the engine quit a second time.

Forced Landing and Examination

The pilot performed a forced landing in a corn field. The airplane came to rest upright. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the left and right fuel tanks were not damaged and contained 12 ounces and 55 ounces of fuel, respectively. Staining aft of each wing fuel tank cap was not observed.

Fuel Consumption Planning

The pilot stated that for fuel consumption calculations, he planned on 8 gallons per hour. However, the pilot's operating handbook (POH) indicates that the fuel consumption for the power and altitude flown is 10 gallons per hour.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jun 1996 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Jasper, FL?

A pilot added 15 gallons of fuel before departure, but the engine quit en route. After temporarily regaining power, the engine failed again, leading to a forced landing in a corn field. Post-accident inspection found minimal fuel remaining in both tanks.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jun 1996 Piper PA-28-180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jun 1996 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N9640J, operated by Interstate Aircraft Services, at Jasper, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inaccurate fuel consumption calculations which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06063. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.