On October 7, 2014, a PIPER PA 31-350 350 operated by AIRCRAFT UNLIMITED INC was involved in an aviation accident near Glenham, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in losses of power on both engines due to fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a repositioning flight, the left engine stopped 25 minutes in due to fuel exhaustion. After the pilot secured it and proceeded, the right engine failed 8-9 minutes later. A forced landing resulted in substantial right wing damage.
Flight and Engine Failures
A repositioning flight encountered winds aloft that were higher than forecasted. The pilot reported that approximately 25 minutes after departure, the left engine ceased producing power because of fuel exhaustion. The pilot shut down the engine and continued toward the nearest suitable airport.
Approximately 8 to 9 minutes later, the right engine also stopped producing power, also due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot then executed a forced landing in a field.
Damage and Investigation
During the forced landing, the right wing sustained substantial damage. Investigators found no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the aircraft or its engines.
What happened in the 7 Oct 2014 PIPER PA 31-350 350 accident near Glenham, SD?
During a repositioning flight, the left engine stopped 25 minutes in due to fuel exhaustion. After the pilot secured it and proceeded, the right engine failed 8-9 minutes later. A forced landing resulted in substantial right wing damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Oct 2014 PIPER PA 31-350 350 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Oct 2014 involved a PIPER PA 31-350 350, operated by AIRCRAFT UNLIMITED INC, at Glenham, SD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in losses of power on both engines due to fuel exhaustion.
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