On July 27, 1996, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N7469Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Moriarity, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to refuel. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain available for the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During the fifth glider tow of the day, the airplane experienced an engine power loss at 400 feet AGL. The pilot executed a forced landing to a pasture, during which the left main gear collapsed. Post-accident examination found both fuel cells empty.
Accident Sequence
The airplane was conducting its fifth glider tow of the day, departing from runway 26. While climbing through 400 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a pasture. During touchdown, the airplane crossed a dirt road, and the left main landing gear collapsed.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that he conducted a detailed preflight inspection of the airplane before the first tow of the day. The inspection revealed the aircraft was serviced with 20 gallons of fuel. The pilot noted that 20 gallons is typically sufficient for six or seven tows. However, on the day of the accident, the tows were exceptionally long due to the general subsidence of the air mass along with high density altitude.
Fuel System Examination
Examination of the fuel system after the accident revealed that both fuel cells were empty.