Forced Landing Near Garnett Municipal Airport Due to Fuel Exhaustion

Casualties unknown • Garnett, KS, US

A pilot was forced to land an aircraft in a field short of the runway at Garnett Municipal Airport after running out of fuel during a missed approach.

What happened

The pilot departed Oklahoma City with the expectation of clear weather based on a pre-flight check of Kansas City conditions. Upon arrival in Kansas City, however, the aircraft encountered fog. The pilot attempted three ILS approaches but was unable to land due to the low visibility.

After being unable to land at Kansas City, the pilot returned to VFR conditions near Garnett Municipal Airport. During the approach to the airport, the pilot reported that one fuel tank ran dry, prompting a switch to the other tank. While attempting a 360-degree turn to line up with the runway after realizing the aircraft was too close to land, the aircraft experienced fuel exhaustion. This resulted in a forced landing in a field approximately 1/2 mile short of the runway. The pilot was not injured, though the landing gear sustained damage during the impact.

The investigation

An examination of the aircraft following the accident revealed that there was no fuel remaining in the tanks.

Probable cause

The engine failure and subsequent forced landing were caused by the exhaustion of fuel during an attempt to realign with the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-12-13 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Garnett, KS?

A pilot was forced to land an aircraft in a field short of the runway at Garnett Municipal Airport after running out of fuel during a missed approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-12-13 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N31SW, at Garnett, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure and subsequent forced landing were caused by the exhaustion of fuel during an attempt to realign with the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07143. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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