Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in losses of power on both engines due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
During a repositioning flight, the airplane encountered winds aloft that were higher than forecasted. The pilot reported that 25 minutes into the flight the left engine stopped producing power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot secured the engine and continued towards the closest airport. Approximately 8 to 9 minutes later, the right engine stopped producing power due to fuel exhaustion. During a forced landing to a field, the right wing was substantially damaged. There were no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15CA006 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 7, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Glenham, South Dakota
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 31-350
- N-number
- N300VF
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.