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Both Engines Quit During Return Flight; Forced Landing Conducted After Fuel Exhaustion (N27299)

Janesville, WI, US

On September 13, 1996, a Piper PA-31 (registration N27299) was involved in an aviation accident near Janesville, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fuel exhaustion as a result of an inadequate preflight by the pilot in command. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 neglected to check nacelle fuel tanks before a morning trip. On return, both engines quit about 12 miles from Janesville, Wisconsin, due to fuel exhaustion, leading to a forced landing in a field. Examination confirmed no fuel in the tanks.

Narrative

The pilot reported that he had a trip in the morning. He stated that he was running late and in a hurry, and consequently neglected to check the nacelle tanks for fuel. However, he did check the main and auxiliary tanks, which were full. He mistakenly thought that he also had fuel in the nacelle tanks. After completing the trip, he began the return flight to Janesville, Wisconsin. About 12 miles from the airport, both engines quit. The pilot executed a forced landing to a field.

Refueling and Examination

The aircraft refueler reported that he did not refuel the nacelle tanks. He stated that he was told to top off the main and outboard tanks. Examination of the aircraft revealed that there was no fuel in any of the fuel tanks.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-31 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Sept 1996 Piper PA-31 accident near Janesville, WI?

A pilot neglected to check nacelle fuel tanks before a morning trip. On return, both engines quit about 12 miles from Janesville, Wisconsin, due to fuel exhaustion, leading to a forced landing in a field. Examination confirmed no fuel in the tanks.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Sept 1996 involved a Piper PA-31, registration N27299, at Janesville, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

fuel exhaustion as a result of an inadequate preflight by the pilot in command.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06696. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.