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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 21, 1994 · Piper PA-31-350 · N44AC

Laredo, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 21, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Laredo, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-31-350
Tail Number
N44AC
Operator
Aeropac
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW94LA136

THE PILOT STATED THAT ABOUT 5 MILES SHORT OF HIS DESTINATION AIRPORT, THE RIGHT ENGINE LOW FUEL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SURGE. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE LEFT ENGINE BEGAN TO SURGE AND BOTH SUBSEQUENTLY LOST TOTAL POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING INTO ROUGH BRUSH COVERED TERRAIN. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE DID NOT CHECK THE TANKS DURING PREFLIGHT, BUT INSTEAD RELIED ON THE GAUGES WHICH HE THOUGHT INDICATED HE HAD ENOUGH FUEL FOR THE FLIGHT.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE FUEL EXHAUSTION INDUCED POWER LOSS DUE TO THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT AND HIS FAILURE TO REFUEL THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

On April 21, 1994, approximately 0805 central daylight time, a Piper PA-31-350, N44AC, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Laredo, Texas. The airplane, owned and operated by Aeropac, and flown by an ATP rated pilot, was on a cargo flight. An IFR flight plan was filed and in effect and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight departed San Antonio, Texas, at 0729, en route to Laredo, Texas. The pilot stated that when he was about 45 miles north of Laredo, he noticed that the fuel gauges were indicating about 1/4 full with the right gauge reading higher than the left. The pilot stated that at that time he felt he had adequate fuel to make the destination, but not enough for reserves. He further stated he decided to have the gauges checked when he arrived in Laredo. He stated that about 5 miles north of the airport, the right engine low fuel light illuminated and the engine began to surge. This was followed shortly thereafter by the left engine beginning to surge. The pilot stated he realized at that point he was out of fuel. Both engines experienced a total power loss and were secured by the pilot. He subsequently executed a gear up forced landing in scrub brush after flying under a set of power lines. The pilot also stated he did not check the tanks during preflight, but instead relied on the gauges which indicated that he had enough fuel to make the trip.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:05 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-31-350
Tail NumberN44AC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAeropac
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540 · Reciprocating · 350
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 5 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 61 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:46
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data