The pilot was returning from his third aerial application flight of the day when the Piper PA-25-235’s engine sputtered and lost all power.
While he was attempting to land near Muskogee, Oklahoma, the left wing collided with trees and the airplane cartwheeled. The wings and fuselage were substantially damaged.
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel tank contained no fuel. The fuel system was intact and no leaks were noted.
The pilot reported there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
He told investigators that he reloaded chemicals and but forgot to refuel the airplane. He said he spent about 10 minutes on the ground before the accident flight and that he could have slowed down and given more attention to refueling.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s inattention to refueling during turn-around operations which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
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This September 2024 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
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