Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's inadequate pre-flight planning. Factors relating to this accident are fuel exhaustion, unsuitable terrain on which to make an emergency landing, as well as an inadvertent stall.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While at cruise flight, the aircraft 'ran out of gas 10 miles short of the airport and crashed into thick woods.' the pilot in command inadvertently stalled the aircraft after the engine lost total power. On site investigation found no fuel in the fuel tanks, and post-accident examination revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction with the airframe, engine or accessories.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 10, 1993, approximately 1145 eastern daylight time (EDT), a Piper, PA28; N1630H, sustained substantial damage when it experienced total loss of engine power, stalled above some trees, and then fell through the trees to the ground. The private pilot received minor injuries, while the three passengers were uninjured. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions with a VFR flight plan on file. The flight departed Berz Macomb at 0830 EDT en route to Houghton County Memorial Airport, Houghton, Michigan. The pilot reported "I ran out of gas 10 miles short of the airport and crashed into thick woods. This was not a mechanical malfunction." On site investigation revealed there was no fuel in the fuel tanks. Post-accident examination revealed no evidence of pre- impact mechanical malfunction with the airframe, engine or accessories. -