On December 30, 1998, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N7724J) was involved in an aviation accident near Fabens, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Approximately 5 hours 13 minutes into a cross-country flight, the airplane experienced a total engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion. The forced landing resulted in touchdown on the up-slope of a sand dune.
Overview
Approximately 5 hours and 13 minutes after departure on a cross-country flight, the airplane's engine lost all power due to fuel exhaustion. The subsequent forced landing involved a touchdown on the upward slope of a sand dune.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that he had inspected all four fuel tanks after refueling prior to departure. About three hours into the flight, he performed fuel calculations using the fuel gauge readings and estimated fuel consumption at 12 gallons per hour.
Operator Information
The operator stated that the airplane's normal fuel consumption ranges from 15 to 18 gallons per hour. Based on the two previous flights, the average fuel consumption was calculated to be 16.27 gallons per hour. The aircraft's four fuel tanks have a total capacity of 84 gallons, with 80 gallons considered usable.