On April 24, 2000, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N55PJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Ashland, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Unsuitable terrain for a landing was a contributing factor. 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 engine missing during a descending turn. After switching fuel tanks, the engine ran normally then quit. A forced landing was made in a wooded area. Fuel was present in both tanks.
Incident Details
The pilot reported that during a descending turn, the aircraft's engine began missing. The pilot switched fuel tanks, after which the engine functioned normally for a short period. Shortly after the tank switch, the engine quit entirely, prompting the pilot to initiate a forced landing. The landing occurred in a wooded area south of the aircraft's original destination.
Post-Accident Inspection
Local law enforcement personnel visually inspected the aircraft. They observed approximately 1/2 gallon of blue aviation-grade fuel in the right fuel tank and approximately 1 1/2 to 2 gallons of blue aviation-grade fuel in the left fuel tank. The fuel tanks were not breached, and there was no evidence of a preexisting fuel leak.
What happened in the 24 Apr 2000 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Ashland, OR?
A pilot reported engine missing during a descending turn. After switching fuel tanks, the engine ran normally then quit. A forced landing was made in a wooded area. Fuel was present in both tanks.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Apr 2000 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N55PJ, at Ashland, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Unsuitable terrain for a landing was a contributing factor.
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