On 3 Jul 2015, a PIPER PA 18-135 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Twin Falls, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate fuel inspection during his preflight fuel performance planning task, resulting in fuel exhaustion en route, and an emergency landing and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot exhausted usable fuel during cruise flight, executed an emergency off-airport landing, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
Incident Details
During cruise flight, the pilot of a single-engine airplane depleted the usable fuel onboard. This fuel exhaustion prompted an emergency off-airport landing. Upon touchdown, the airplane collided with terrain and came to rest in a corn field. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that during the preflight inspection, he visually checked the fuel level using the sight gauge. However, he did not physically check the fuel cell itself. The pilot further reported that no mechanical malfunctions or failures occurred that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Damage Assessment
Post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. No other damage was reported. The pilot did not report any injuries.