Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss Results in Off-Field Landing and Nose-Over (N4707C)

Cottage Grove, OR, US

On July 7, 1999, a Piper PA-22 (registration N4707C) was involved in an aviation accident near Cottage Grove, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate management of fuel which led to fuel starvation.. A related factor was the unsuitable terrain. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. During an off-field landing, the nose wheel hit a rock, causing the aircraft to nose over. No mechanical failure was found.

Engine Power Loss

The aircraft suffered a sudden loss of engine power. The pilot had unintentionally consumed all fuel from the left tank. After the power loss, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the right tank. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful.

Off-Field Landing

With the engine inoperative, the pilot chose to land in a nearby field. The landing was executed, but during the rollout the nose wheel struck a rock. The impact caused the aircraft to nose over.

Investigation

Examination of the aircraft found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction. The left fuel tank had been run dry.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19368. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.