Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as result of a fuel line connector leak. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The engine lost power while returning from a banner towing flight due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot released his banner and made a forced landing. The subsequent 'flat' landing structurally damaged the wing spars. The pilot later located a fuel leak near the carburetor at a fuel line connecting joint.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 21, 1995, at 1702 central daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235, N9740P, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near San Antonio, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot received minor injuries. The aircraft was being operated by Petra Aviation, under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Geronimo Field near Seguin, Texas, at 1530 CDT. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the banner towing flight and a flight plan was not filed. During a personal interview with local police and the investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that he performed an airborne pick up of the banner at the Bill Dean Ranch private grass airstrip near the north end of Randolph Air Force Base. After completing his banner towing flight, he was en route back to the ranch to drop the banner off when he "ran out of fuel." He released the banner and initiated a forced landing, subsequently landing "flat" and structurally damaging both wing spars. The pilot stated on his enclosed Pilot/Operator report that he "developed a leak in fuel line." In a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge he stated that "a fuel leak was found near the carburetor at a connecting joint." -