Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

July 14, 2002 · Piper PA-31-325 · N27626

Weaverville, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 14, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Weaverville, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-31-325
Tail Number
N27626
Operator
Avery Eugene Cleland
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL02LA139

During cruise flight at 12,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) the right engine lost power. The pilot reported the loss of engine power to the Atlanta Air Traffic Control Center. The pilot was instructed by the controller to turn around and proceed to the Ashville Regional Airport. As the pilot maneuvered the left engine lost power. The pilot was directed by the controller to a highway 19 & 23. The airplane collided with trees short of the highway. Examination of the fuel system found both fuel tanks void of fuel and no visible of fuel loss at the accident site. The pilot reported departing with approximately 90 gallons of fuel on board. According to PA-31-325 specifications, the standard fuel quantity is 183 gallons, and the optional fuel capacity is 237 gallons.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight planning of fuel to complete the flight that resulted in the exhaustion of the fuel supply.

Full Narrative

On July 14, 2002, at 1600 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-31-325, N27626, registered to A.E. Cleland Construction, Inc. and operated by a commercial pilot, collided with trees and subsequently the ground following a loss of power in both engines, in Weaverville, North Carolina. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and instrument flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight departed Ridgeland, South Carolina, at 1430, en route to Greeneville, Tennessee, on July 14, 2002. According to the pilot, during cruise flight, at 12,000 feet mean sea level, the right engine lost power and stopped. The pilot reported the loss of engine power to the Atlanta Air Traffic Control Center. The pilot was instructed by the controller to turn towards the Ashville Regional Airport, in Ashville, North Carolina. As the pilot maneuvered the left engine lost power, and quit. The pilot was directed by the controller to highway 19 and 23. The airplane collided with trees short of the highway. Examination of the airplane found damage to the leading edge of both wings, forward cabin area and the empennage. Further examination revealed that both fuel tanks were empty, and there were no visible signs of fuel leakage at the accident site. The pilot reported departing with approximately 90 gallons of fuel on board. According to PA-31-325 specifications, the standard fuel quantity is 183 gallons, and the optional fuel capacity is 237 gallons.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 EDT
Nearest AirportAshville Regional (17nm NE)
Runway16
Runway Length8001 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-31-325
Tail NumberN27626
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAvery Eugene Cleland
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-F2BD · Reciprocating · 325 | Lycoming · TIO-540-F2BD · Reciprocating · 325
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time19:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data