Probable cause
The loss of engine power, which resulted from fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning.
NTSB analysis
About 4.4 hours after departure on a cross-country flight, the airplane experienced a complete loss of engine power about 5 miles from the destination airport. The pilot was unable to restart the engine after switching fuel tanks, a forced landing was made to a nearby field, and the landing gear collapsed during the landing roll. The pilot stated that the loss of engine power was due to fuel exhaustion and was not the result of a mechanical malfunction of the engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA430 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 29, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Barron, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Rice Lake Regional Airport (KRPD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-180
- N-number
- N9002J
- 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.