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Fuel Exhaustion During Glider Tow Leads to Forced Landing and Nose Over (N9791P)

Boulder, CO, US

On August 16, 2002, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N9791P) was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight preparation, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of engine power, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot towing a glider experienced fuel exhaustion, performed a forced landing to a field, stalled from 8-10 feet, and nosed over. The engine was crushed back and left wing separated.

Incident

A pilot towing a glider experienced fuel exhaustion during the flight. The pilot had checked flight time and fuel gauges, including the fuel low level indicator light, before takeoff.

Sequence of Events

While towing a glider, the pilot encountered fuel exhaustion. He initiated a forced landing to an open field. During the approach, the wind changed from an estimated 15 to 20 knots to no wind as the aircraft neared the ground. The airplane stalled from approximately 8 to 10 feet above the ground, struck the ground, and nosed over.

Damage

The engine was crushed back, and the left wing separated from the fuselage. The calculated density altitude at the time of the accident was 11,361 feet.

Fuel exhaustion & starvationAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Aug 2002 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Boulder, CO?

A pilot towing a glider experienced fuel exhaustion, performed a forced landing to a field, stalled from 8-10 feet, and nosed over. The engine was crushed back and left wing separated.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Aug 2002 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N9791P, at Boulder, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate preflight preparation, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of engine power, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush. Factors included the changing wind conditions, the high density altitude, and the…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020826X01455. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.