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Dual Engine Power Loss Followed by Forced Landing Due to Fuel Exhaustion (N8329M)

Laredo, TX, US

On June 27, 1999, a Piper PA-34-220T (registration N8329M) was involved in an aviation accident near Laredo, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion resulting in loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During descent, a twin-engine airplane experienced dual engine power loss from fuel exhaustion. The pilot performed a forced landing to a grass area; the right wing struck a fence post and the aircraft came to rest nose down in a ditch.

Incident Overview

A twin-engine airplane lost power in both engines during descent due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection, the left fuel gauge indicated a little over 30 gallons and the right gauge indicated about 35 gallons. As the flight neared its destination and the pilot descended by pitching the nose down, the left fuel gauge dropped to zero. A few minutes later, the right gauge fell from approximately 20 gallons to zero, followed shortly by the right engine losing power and then the left engine.

Forced Landing and Impact

The pilot initiated a forced landing to a nearby road. After observing traffic on the road, he elected to land on the adjacent grass area. Following touchdown, the right wing struck a metal fence post, and the aircraft came to rest nose down in a ditch.

Post-Accident Examination

An FAA inspector examined the fuel system and found no usable fuel in the left fuel tank. The right fuel tank was destroyed, and there was no evidence of fuel spillage at the accident site.

Pilot's Assessment

The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by adding an extra 10 gallons of fuel.

Probable cause

Fuel exhaustion resulting in loss of engine power.
Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jun 1999 Piper PA-34-220T accident near Laredo, TX?

During descent, a twin-engine airplane experienced dual engine power loss from fuel exhaustion. The pilot performed a forced landing to a grass area; the right wing struck a fence post and the aircraft came to rest nose down in a ditch.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jun 1999 Piper PA-34-220T accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jun 1999 involved a Piper PA-34-220T, registration N8329M, at Laredo, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fuel exhaustion resulting in loss of engine power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19006. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.