Flight History
According to the pilot, he departed with full fuel (75 gallons) for a local banner towing flight. After flying for about 3 hours and 30 minutes, he initiated a return to the airport. During the return flight, at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet, the engine lost power. Just prior to the power loss, while the airplane was in a climb, the pilot noted that the fuel gauge indicated 30 gallons of fuel remained.
Forced Landing
The pilot released the banner and performed a forced landing to a road. No further details about the landing or subsequent events were provided.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed approximately 8–10 ounces of fuel in the single main fuel tank. The main fuel feed line at the bottom of the fuel tank fuel valve contained a "few ounces" of fuel.
Fuel Gauge Testing
To test the accuracy of the fuel gauge, the fuel tank was filled with exactly 30 gallons of fuel. Under this condition, the gauge read 33 gallons of fuel.
Engine Test
A test run of the engine on the airframe was conducted. The engine started and ran at full power with no anomalies noted.
Fueling Details
According to the Piper PA-25 Pilot Operating Handbook, the engine burned an average of 14–16 gallons of fuel per hour at a power setting of 24 inches of manifold pressure and 2400 RPM. The fueler who fueled the airplane stated that he filled the airplane to a capacity of 68 gallons of fuel, which is what the pilot specifically requested.