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Casualties unknown

Engine Failure on Final Approach After Private Pilot Checkride (N9011J)

Jacksonville, FL, US

On July 2, 1998, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N9011J) was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonville, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to manage his fuel properly leading to fuel starvation, a loss of engine power, and the collision with trees and the ground. A factor was his lack of total experience. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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 on final approach to runway 23 experienced an engine failure. No fuel was found in the left tank, but fuel remained in the right tank. The pilot had 1.5-2 hours of fuel initially and 96 total flight hours.

Accident Overview

The pilot of a single-engine airplane reported that he had 1.5 to 2 hours of fuel available for the day. He flew to St. Augustine, Florida, for a private pilot checkride, which he estimated took 45 minutes. While returning to Jacksonville, on final approach to runway 23, the engine quit.

Pilot Actions

The pilot initiated emergency procedures by placing the mixture control to rich and switching fuel tanks. Despite these actions, the airplane struck trees and impacted terrain.

Wreckage Examination

A post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed no fuel in the intact left fuel tank. Fuel was present in the right fuel tank.

Pilot Experience

The pilot reported a total flight time of 96 hours.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jul 1998 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Jacksonville, FL?

A pilot on final approach to runway 23 experienced an engine failure. No fuel was found in the left tank, but fuel remained in the right tank. The pilot had 1.5-2 hours of fuel initially and 96 total flight hours.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jul 1998 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N9011J, at Jacksonville, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to manage his fuel properly leading to fuel starvation, a loss of engine power, and the collision with trees and the ground. A factor was his lack of total experience.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10466. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.