Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
After conducting an aerial application flight and attempting to return to the airport, the pilot noticed that the fuel float gauge displayed a low quantity. The airplane's engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a cornfield about 3 miles west of the airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported in a postaccident statement that he ran out of fuel.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15CA001 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 1, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Yankton, South Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Chan Gurney Muni (YKN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 25-235
- N-number
- N6659Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1963
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
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.