Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and preparation which resulted in a low fuel condition requiring an off-airport landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot departed from Suffolk, Virginia, at about 1105, with full fuel tanks, en route to Elkins, West Virginia (EKN). While en route at about 6,000 feet above ground level, he encountered weather over the mountains which prevented him from continuing direct to EKN under visual meteorological conditions. At that time he chose to fly north, up the valley, in hopes of finding a break in the weather. After about 40 minutes, he was unable to continue due to low fuel, and decided to land in a farm pasture. Upon landing, he discovered the grass to be much taller than anticipated. The airplane became entangled, resulting in a nose-over that substantially damaged the vertical stabilizer and wings. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA314 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 31, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Aurora, West Virginia
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22
- N-number
- N4824A
- 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.