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Casualties unknown

Forced Landing Following Engine Power Loss Ends with Tree Strike (N36691)

St. Charles, MO, US

On April 8, 2005, a Piper PA-32RT-300 (registration N36691) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Charles, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision by his failure to switch fuel tanks which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. A factor was the trees. 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

An aircraft made a forced landing to a field after losing engine power four miles from its destination. The fuel selector was found on the empty right tank while the left tank was full. During the landing, the aircraft struck trees, resulting in substantial damage.

Overview

The aircraft experienced a loss of engine power while en route, leading to a forced landing in a suburban field. During the landing, the aircraft struck trees, resulting in substantial damage.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, the aircraft departed with approximately 36 gallons of fuel in the left tank and 14 gallons in the right tank. About four miles from the intended destination airport, at an altitude of 1,500 feet, the engine lost power. The pilot then executed a forced landing to the only open field available in the area.

Inspection Findings

Post-accident inspection revealed that the fuel selector was positioned to the right fuel tank. The right tank was empty, while the left tank remained full. Additionally, the aircraft struck trees during its final approach to the field.

Damage

The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the forced landing and tree strike.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Apr 2005 Piper PA-32RT-300 accident near St. Charles, MO?

An aircraft made a forced landing to a field after losing engine power four miles from its destination. The fuel selector was found on the empty right tank while the left tank was full. During the landing, the aircraft struck trees, resulting in substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Apr 2005 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300, registration N36691, at St. Charles, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision by his failure to switch fuel tanks which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. A factor was the trees.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050426X00505. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.