Aircraft Crash Following Engine Failure and Runway Conflict

Casualties unknown • Spartanburg, SC, US

An aircraft experienced total engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion during a glider tow flight, resulting in a crash after a landing conflict with a Learjet.

What happened

The flight began as a glider tow operation. During the flight, the pilot of the unspecified aircraft noticed the engine was running roughly. The pilot notified the glider pilot of the intent to release the glider and return to the departure airport. After completing the release, the pilot turned toward the departure airport but subsequently experienced a total loss of engine power caused by fuel exhaustion.

The pilot declared an emergency on the UNICOM radio frequency and began an approach for a forced landing on runway 05. During this process, the pilot heard a Learjet pilot announce intentions to take runway 23. The pilot attempted to contact the Learjet via the UNICOM frequency to request that the aircraft hold its position, but received no response. Despite a second attempt to communicate with the Learjet, the pilot observed the Learjet taxiing onto the runway.

In an effort to avoid the Learjet, the pilot initiated a turn toward a closed runway. During this maneuver, the landing gear struck trees, and the aircraft crashed on the apron of the closed runway. There were no injuries reported.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion, and the subsequent crash occurred when the pilot attempted to avoid a runway conflict with a Learjet by maneuvering toward a closed runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-05-27 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Spartanburg, SC?

An aircraft experienced total engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion during a glider tow flight, resulting in a crash after a landing conflict with a Learjet.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-05-27 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N6667Z, at Spartanburg, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion, and the subsequent crash occurred when the pilot attempted to avoid a runway conflict with a Learjet by maneuvering toward a closed runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010531X01036. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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