On November 30, 1981, a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne (registration N15SS) operated by SS Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Madison, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure in normal cruise due to inadequate preflight preparation. Contributing factors: mismanagement of fuel, fuel exhaustion, erratic fuel quantity gauge, rough/uneven terrain, complete failure of both engines, forced landing off airport on land. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
While cruising from Peru to Louisville, both engines failed, leading to an emergency landing in an open field. The undercarriage collapsed, and all five occupants sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.
Incident
During a flight from Peru to Louisville, the aircraft experienced a dual engine failure while at cruising altitude. The pilot initiated a descent and attempted an emergency landing in an open field. Upon touchdown, the landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to come to rest on its belly. All five occupants were seriously injured, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Investigation and Probable Cause
Official findings attributed the engine failure to inadequate preflight preparation. Contributing factors included mismanagement of fuel, fuel exhaustion, an erratic fuel quantity gauge, rough and uneven terrain, the complete failure of both engines, and a forced landing off airport on land.