Probable cause
The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was located in a field following a forced landing. There was no useable fuel aboard and a postaccident examination of the engine and fuel system revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The accident is consistent with the pilot mis-management of the fuel onboard, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20LA385 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 5, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Red Oak, Iowa
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28-140
- N-number
- N2875T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1972
- 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.