Casualties unknown

2001-04-07: Piper PA-25-235 (N4514Y) — Night Hawk Aerial Advertising — Pearland, TX

Pearland, TX, US

On April 7, 2001, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N4514Y) operated by Night Hawk Aerial Advertising was involved in an aviation accident near Pearland, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane, which resulted in fuel exhaustion while in the traffic pattern. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot conducting a banner towing flight experienced difficulty releasing the banner, performed a go-around, and subsequently ran out of fuel, leading to a forced landing into trees.

Incident Overview

A pilot engaged in a banner towing operation returned to his home base following a flight. Upon arrival, the pilot experienced difficulty releasing the banner. To address this, the pilot landed the aircraft on the grass strip situated between two runways. While on the ground, the banner was dragged across the surface until it eventually detached. However, the aircraft was then positioned too close to the runway end to safely stop, necessitating a go-around maneuver.

Sequence of Events

During the subsequent traffic pattern, the pilot reported that the aircraft ran out of fuel, resulting in the engine quitting. Unable to reach the runway, the pilot opted for a forced landing into trees located within a residential area. The aircraft subsequently struck the trees.

Additional Information

The source did not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, location, or any injuries or damage. Only the pilot's actions and the fuel exhaustion event were described. No analysis or conclusions were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010409X00724. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.