Incident Overview
A pilot and his daughter, who was a passenger, were involved in an accident after their airplane ran out of fuel. The flight had originated from Airglades Airport in Clewiston, Florida, following a morning of sky-diving. The intended destination was North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Sequence of Events
According to statements made by the passenger to a Florida Highway Patrol officer, the airplane experienced fuel exhaustion while en route. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. He then initiated a forced landing onto Interstate 75. During the landing attempt, the airplane struck a set of power lines spanning the roadway. After impacting the wires, the aircraft pitched down and subsequently struck the road surface.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot received serious injuries as a result of the accident. The passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane incurred substantial damage.
Examination Findings
An examination of the accident airplane revealed that there was no fuel present in the aircraft's tanks. No preaccident anomalies were found with the airplane, its flight controls, or its engine.