On February 28, 2000, a Piper PA-23-160 (registration N441WA) was involved in an aviation accident near Titusville, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to attempt a flight on minimal fuel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A factor was the closed fuel pumps at the departure airport. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot was seriously injured after an off-field emergency landing short of runway 18 when the engine lost power on approach. Investigation found only about one pint of fuel in one tank and no mechanical malfunctions.
Accident Details
Shortly after takeoff, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power while on approach to the destination airport. The pilot executed an off-field emergency landing short of runway 18, during which the pilot sustained serious injuries. The pilot could not recall details of the flight due to the severity of the injuries. According to a pilot-rated passenger, fuel was not available at the departure airport.
Investigation Findings
An examination of the fuel system revealed approximately one pint of fuel in the right outboard fuel tank. No fuel was recovered from the remaining tanks. The local fire department reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that upon arrival at the scene, there was no odor of fuel, nor any evidence of fuel having been spilled from the airplane. An examination of the wreckage failed to disclose any mechanical malfunctions or component failures.