Casualties unknown

Fuel Exhaustion Leads to Forced Landing and Subsequent Collision During Aborted Takeoff (N4300S)

Covington, GA, US

On September 23, 1999, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N4300S) operated by Air Orlando Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Covington, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's decision to take off from unsuitable terrain, which resulted in a collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 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

After running out of fuel, a pilot performed a forced landing in a cow pasture, refueled with 9 gallons of 100LL, then attempted takeoff from a dirt road. The takeoff was aborted, and the aircraft's right wing struck a tree.

Incident Overview

A pilot experienced a fuel exhaustion event, necessitating a forced landing in a cow pasture. Following the landing, the pilot acquired 9 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel, with which the airplane was refueled. Subsequently, the aircraft was taxied from the cow pasture to a 1,500-foot dirt road for departure.

Takeoff Attempt

The pilot initiated a takeoff run on the dirt road. During the roll, the pilot determined that the aircraft would not achieve sufficient speed or altitude to clear obstacles, and the takeoff was aborted. During the abort maneuver, the airplane's right wing collided with a tree.

Remarks

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, injuries, or damage were provided in the source. The incident highlights a sequence of events beginning with fuel exhaustion and culminating in a collision during an aborted takeoff.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Sept 1999 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Covington, GA?

After running out of fuel, a pilot performed a forced landing in a cow pasture, refueled with 9 gallons of 100LL, then attempted takeoff from a dirt road. The takeoff was aborted, and the aircraft's right wing struck a tree.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Sept 1999 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N4300S, operated by Air Orlando Inc., at Covington, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's decision to take off from unsuitable terrain, which resulted in a collision with trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19836. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.