Probable cause
A total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s improper fuel planning.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane's fuel gauge indicated that the fuel tanks were about half full during his preflight inspection. He conducted a 45-minute flight and landed. During takeoff on the second flight, the airplane reached about 150 feet of altitude when the engine started to sputter and subsequently experienced a total loss of power. The pilot initiated a return to the private airstrip and during the turn the airplane stalled. The airplane impacted the ground in a left-wing-low attitude, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that there was no fuel in the tanks.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA548 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 19, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Edwardsburg, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Private Airstrip
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-17
- N-number
- N4610H
- 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.