Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot-in-command's inattention to the fuel supply. A factor was rough and uneven terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight departed ft. Meade, maryland, at 0822 eastern standard time, with the intended destination of gary, indiana. At 1219 the pilot reported to ATC that the airplane had run out of fuel. A forced landing was planned on a freeway off-ramp; however, due to highway traffic the landing was made adjacent to the ramp in rough and uneven terrain. Inspection revealed only unusable fuel remaining in the fuel tanks. No leaks in the system were found.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 21, 1994, at 1224 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28R- 200, N4572X, registered to James A. Katra of Columbia, Maryland, and piloted by an instrument rated private pilot, experienced a total loss of engine power and was substantially damaged during a forced landing. The pilot and two passengers reported minor injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. An IFR flight plan was on file. The flight departed Ft. Meade, Maryland, at 0822, with the intended destination of Gary, Indiana. At 1219 the pilot of N4572X reported to the Chicago O'Hare Approach Control of the Federal Aviation Administration, "Chicago approach arrow four five seven two x-ray, I'm uh out of fuel and I can't get the other one started." The pilot stated that after the engine quit he planned a forced landing on a freeway off-ramp, but on approach a truck entered the ramp. The landing was made adjacent to the ramp on rough, uneven terrain. An examination of the fuel system subsequent to the accident, revealed only unusable fuel in the tanks. No leaks in the fuel system were found. -