Casualties unknown

Forced Landing in Bean Field After Engine Power Loss Due to Fuel Mismanagement (N7245D)

Flushing, MI, US

On August 7, 1996, a Piper PA-22 (registration N7245D) was involved in an aviation accident near Flushing, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fuel exhaustion caused by the failure of the pilot to select a fuel tank with fuel remaining. 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

An airplane flipped over during a forced landing in a bean field after total engine power loss. Postflight found right wing tank full, left empty, and fuel selector on left tank. Engine run up showed no abnormalities.

Forced Landing

The airplane experienced a total loss of engine power, necessitating a forced landing in a bean field. During the landing, the aircraft flipped over.

Postflight Examination

A postflight examination revealed that the right wing fuel tank was full, while the left wing fuel tank was empty. The fuel valve selector was found positioned to the left wing tank. Both wing tanks are equipped with vented fuel caps and are routed to a single fuel valve.

Engine Testing

Following the accident, an engine run up was conducted. No abnormalities with the airplane's engine were noted during this test.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06444. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.