On January 28, 1999, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N1875H) was involved in an aviation accident near Brevard, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate inflight planning that resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power. 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.
A pilot reported a low fuel condition to air traffic control, circled for 2.5 hours, then struck trees and a power line while descending near Brevard, NC. No mechanical malfunction was found, and little fuel was present.
Accident Narrative
The pilot of a general aviation airplane reported a low fuel condition to the air traffic controller. In response, the controller provided information about alternate airports in the immediate vicinity of the eventual accident site. The pilot then circled the area for approximately 2.5 hours. After failing to identify any of the listed airports, the pilot flew towards Brevard, North Carolina. While descending in the vicinity of Brevard, the airplane struck several trees and a power line before impacting the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
Examinations of the airframe and engine were conducted following the accident. These examinations failed to disclose any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or component failure. Further post-impact examination of the engine and airframe fuel system components revealed no evidence of fuel. A small quantity of fuel was observed in the carburetor. There were no obvious indications of fuel spillage at the accident site, and emergency response personnel reported no odor of fuel upon their arrival.
What happened in the 28 Jan 1999 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Brevard, NC?
A pilot reported a low fuel condition to air traffic control, circled for 2.5 hours, then struck trees and a power line while descending near Brevard, NC. No mechanical malfunction was found, and little fuel was present.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Jan 1999 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N1875H, at Brevard, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate inflight planning that resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power.
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