Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Dual Engine Failure After Fuel Mismanagement on Cross-Country Flight (N1221P)

Ontario, OR, US

On August 4, 2006, a Piper PA-23-150 (registration N1221P) was involved in an aviation accident near Ontario, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate inflight decision by failing to refuel while en route, resulting in fuel exhaustion and the loss of power. Factors were the en route high wind condition and the soft terrain. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During approach, pilot experienced left engine failure followed by right engine failure. Aircraft overran runway and came to rest in onion field. Post-accident inspection found three empty fuel tanks and one containing minimal fuel.

Accident Description

The pilot reported departing on the second leg of a cross-country flight with an estimated 82 gallons of fuel on board. Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes later, while turning from downwind to base with the landing gear down and locked, the pilot noticed a vibration from the left side of the airplane. An unsuccessful attempt to lower the flaps confirmed that the left engine had failed.

Being high and fast with no flaps, the pilot elected to continue the approach and land. However, over the approach end of the runway, the right engine also stopped. The pilot then attempted to force the airplane onto the runway, resulting in several bounces. The airplane made firm contact with the runway, overran the end, went off the runway, crossed an irrigation ditch, and came to rest upright in an onion field.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident investigation of the airplane's four fuel tanks revealed that the right auxiliary, right main, and left main fuel tanks were empty. The left auxiliary fuel tank had about 2 inches of fuel remaining. The investigation found no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated that he did not know where the fuel went, only that he encountered some high winds en route to his destination.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060814X01164. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.