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Piper PA-28-140 Forced Landing on Golf Course After Engine Power Loss (N1792T)

Closter, NJ, US

On September 9, 1996, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N1792T) was involved in an aviation accident near Closter, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a power loss due to fuel exhaustion, followed by the airplane striking a tree during a forced landing. 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 Piper PA-28-140 on an aerial observation flight experienced an engine power loss while returning to its departure airport. The pilot performed a forced landing on a golf course; during the ground roll, the left wing struck a tree, rupturing the fuel tank and bending the wing. Post-accident examination revealed the right wing fuel tank was empty with no evidence of fuel spill from the left tank.

Accident Details

A Piper PA-28-140 aircraft, operating an aerial observation flight, experienced a loss of engine power after being airborne for 4 hours and 20 minutes. The pilot was returning to the departure airport when the engine stopped. Attempting to restore power, the pilot switched fuel tanks but was unable to restart the engine.

Forced Landing

With the engine inoperative, the pilot executed a forced landing onto a golf course. During the ground roll, the left wing struck a tree. The impact ruptured the left wing fuel tank and caused the wing to bend rearward.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the aircraft revealed that the right wing fuel tank was empty. There was no evidence of a fuel spill from the ruptured left wing fuel tank.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported departing with 36 gallons of fuel and planning a fuel consumption rate of 7 gallons per hour.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Sept 1996 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Closter, NJ?

A Piper PA-28-140 on an aerial observation flight experienced an engine power loss while returning to its departure airport. The pilot performed a forced landing on a golf course; during the ground roll, the left wing struck a tree, rupturing the fuel tank and bending the wing. Post-accident examination revealed the…

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Sept 1996 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Sept 1996 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N1792T, at Closter, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a power loss due to fuel exhaustion, followed by the airplane striking a tree during a forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06799. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.