Probable cause
The loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel exhaustion, which resulted from the pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning and in-flight fuel management.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot reported that, before departing for a personal cross-country flight, he conducted a full preflight inspection, including a fuel check. As the airplane was approaching the destination airport, the engine lost power. The pilot's attempts to regain power were unsuccessful. The pilot conducted a forced landing, during which the airplane impacted ground obstacles.
After the airplane was recovered, fuel was found in a fuel gauge; however, no fuel was found in the fuel tanks. An examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. A review of data from a video camera mounted in the cockpit revealed that the pilot said that the airplane was new to him and that he "just" ran out of fuel.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA134 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 26, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Stephenville, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Stephenville Clark Rgnl (SEP)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman American Avn. Corp. AA 1B
- N-number
- N8883L
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.