Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Engine Power After Fuel Exhaustion Near Glynco Jetport (N4149D)

Brunswick, GA, US

On October 24, 2001, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N4149D) operated by Gary L. Williams was involved in an aviation accident near Brunswick, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper inflight planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was the none suitable terrain. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot flying to Jacksonville, Florida reported low fuel and was directed to Glynco Jetport. While nine miles from the airport at 3,000 feet, the engine lost power. The airplane struck trees during the forced landing.

Summary

A pilot reported low fuel while en route to Jacksonville, Florida, and requested directions to the nearest airport. Air traffic control provided a heading to Glynco Jetport. The pilot indicated he was at 3,000 feet mean sea level and nine miles from the airport when the engine lost power. He declared an emergency and selected a forced landing area. The airplane collided with trees four miles west of the airport as he maneuvered for the landing.

Flight Events

During the flight to Jacksonville, the pilot noticed a low fuel condition and contacted flight control for assistance. ATC instructed him to proceed to Glynco Jetport. While descending toward the airport at an altitude of 3,000 feet and approximately nine miles out, the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot declared an emergency and chose a suitable area for an off-airport landing. While maneuvering to land, the airplane struck trees located about four miles west of the airport.

Post-accident Examination

An examination of the airplane revealed that no fuel was recovered from the fuel system. The investigation did not identify any other mechanical issues that could have caused the power loss.

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Oct 2001 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Brunswick, GA?

A pilot flying to Jacksonville, Florida reported low fuel and was directed to Glynco Jetport. While nine miles from the airport at 3,000 feet, the engine lost power. The airplane struck trees during the forced landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Oct 2001 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N4149D, operated by Gary L. Williams, at Brunswick, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper inflight planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was the none suitable terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011030X02165. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.