Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Engine Failure and Nose-Down Landing; No Fuel Found After Accident (N7730Z)

Kenmare, ND, US

On July 5, 1996, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N7730Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Kenmare, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper refueling procedure, inadequate preflight and the inadvertent stall. A factor related to the accident was the low altitude at which the loss of power occurred. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot returning to the airport reported that the engine quit. During a left turn to land into the wind and avoid obstacles, the airplane struck the ground nose-down and left wing down, then pivoted 180 degrees. Examination found no fuel in the airplane or at the site.

Accident Details

According to the pilot, the accident occurred while he was returning to the airport. He stated that the engine quit, prompting him to attempt a left turn to land into the wind and to avoid a road and a power line ahead of the airplane. The airplane subsequently contacted the ground in a nose-down and left wing-down attitude, then pivoted 180 degrees to point straight north.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that he did not know how much fuel was in the airplane at the time of the accident. He described his normal fueling procedure as fueling until the automatic shut-off on the fueling nozzle engaged. However, he noted that he fueled the airplane from his own 100-gallon tank, which lacked a meter, and therefore he could not track the amount of fuel added.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of fuel in the airplane. Additionally, no evidence of fuel was found at the accident site.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jul 1996 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Kenmare, ND?

A pilot returning to the airport reported that the engine quit. During a left turn to land into the wind and avoid obstacles, the airplane struck the ground nose-down and left wing down, then pivoted 180 degrees. Examination found no fuel in the airplane or at the site.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jul 1996 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N7730Z, at Kenmare, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper refueling procedure, inadequate preflight and the inadvertent stall. A factor related to the accident was the low altitude at which the loss of power occurred.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06167. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.