Probable cause
A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A factor in the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he began the day with an unknown quantity of fuel. Shortly after departing on his second flight of the day, the airplane suffered a complete loss of engine power. During the subsequent forced landing, the left main landing gear caught tall grass and ground-looped the airplane, which resulted in substantial damage to the left landing gear, left wing strut, and left lower fuselage. Post accident examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed no odor of fuel, no fuel spillage, and 5 ounces of fuel in the airplane. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA489 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 27, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Holland, Massachusetts
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J5A
- N-number
- N33078
- 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.