Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a loss of engine power.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was located in a field following a forced landing. There was no useable fuel aboard and a postaccident examination of the engine and fuel system revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The accident is consistent with the pilot mis-management of the fuel onboard, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 5, 2020, about 1400 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N2875T, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Red Oak, Iowa. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was located in a field following a forced landing. There was no useable fuel in either wing tank or the respective wing fuel lines. The right wing and right horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the airplane, engine, and fuel system revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. A National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report, form 6120.1, was not received from the pilot.