Probable cause
A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's improper fuel planning and failure to refuel.
NTSB analysis
Prior to the flight, the airplane was refueled with 12 gallons of fuel; however, the total fuel on board at the time of departure could not be determined. During the 3-hour cross-country flight, the airplane overflew several airports that had fuel services available. Witnesses, located near the accident site, observed the airplane flying low and heard the engine lose power, restart, and lose power again. The pilot executed a forced landing to a corn field, the airplane impacted a ditch, and was substantially damaged. No evidence of usable fuel was found in the airplane fuel tanks, or at the accident site. Examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09FA377 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 23, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sanborn, Iowa
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-180
- N-number
- N7795N
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.