No fatalities

Engine Power Loss in Traffic Pattern Leads to Forced Landing and Landing Gear Collapse (N36700)

Mason, MI, US

On December 1, 1998, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N36700) was involved in an aviation accident near Mason, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inattention to fuel management in that he failed to switch fuel tanks in a timely manner which resulted in fuel starvation. A factor related to the accident was the low altitude at which the loss of engine power occurred. 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

An airplane lost engine power after two hours of flight. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field, during which the right main landing gear collapsed. Post-accident inspection found the left fuel tank full and the right empty; an engine test run revealed no anomalies. The pilot admitted to not switching fuel tanks in a timely manner.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that the engine lost power while in the traffic pattern after the aircraft had been flying for two hours. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing in a field. During the landing, the right main landing gear collapsed.

Post-Accident Findings

A post-accident inspection of the aircraft revealed that the left fuel tank was full of fuel, while the right fuel tank was empty. Additionally, a post-accident test run of the engine was performed, which failed to reveal any anomalies or malfunctions.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that he did not switch fuel tanks in a timely manner during the flight.

Conclusion

The incident involved a loss of engine power attributed to fuel mismanagement, resulting in a forced landing and subsequent damage to the landing gear. No other causal factors were identified.

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Dec 1998 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Mason, MI?

An airplane lost engine power after two hours of flight. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field, during which the right main landing gear collapsed. Post-accident inspection found the left fuel tank full and the right empty; an engine test run revealed no anomalies. The pilot admitted to not switching fuel…

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Dec 1998 Piper PA-28-181 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Dec 1998 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N36700, at Mason, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inattention to fuel management in that he failed to switch fuel tanks in a timely manner which resulted in fuel starvation. A factor related to the accident was the low altitude at which the loss of engine power occurred.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11522. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.