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Pilot Reports Low Fuel, Engine Failure en Route to Fulton County Airport (N5118G)

Austell, GA, US

On December 31, 2002, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N5118G) was involved in an aviation accident near Austell, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight planning/decision that resulted in fuel exhaustion, and subsequent loss of engine power. 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 reported low fuel to Atlanta Center, then lost engine power 12 miles north of destination. The aircraft came to rest in a residential yard 4.7 nautical miles northwest of Fulton County Airport. Eight ounces of fuel were recovered from the system.

Incident Overview

According to air traffic control records, a flight en route to Fulton County Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, experienced an engine failure after the pilot reported low fuel. The pilot contacted Atlanta Center air traffic control and stated that he was low on fuel. Shortly thereafter, the airplane lost engine power approximately 12 miles north of Fulton County Airport.

Pilot's Final Communication

The pilot informed the air traffic controller that there was a field to the left and that he would attempt to land. This was the pilot's last radio transmission, according to the controller.

Accident Site and Fuel Remnants

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the airplane came to rest in a residential yard located 4.7 nautical miles northwest of Fulton County Airport. Investigators recovered approximately eight ounces of fuel from the aircraft's fuel system.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Dec 2002 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Austell, GA?

A pilot reported low fuel to Atlanta Center, then lost engine power 12 miles north of destination. The aircraft came to rest in a residential yard 4.7 nautical miles northwest of Fulton County Airport. Eight ounces of fuel were recovered from the system.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Dec 2002 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N5118G, at Austell, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight planning/decision that resulted in fuel exhaustion, and subsequent loss of engine power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030218X00229. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.