Piper PA-28 N4130W accident near Dingman, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power in flight due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel planning.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was flying back to his home airport when the "engine sounded like it was out of fuel," and the "propeller just stopped." The pilot then began performing the emergency checklist, switching fuel tanks, and looking for a place to land. The only suitable forced landing area was beyond glide range, and the airplane impacted trees just short of the pilot’s intended touchdown point. The airplane came to rest upright in the tops of the trees, substantially damaging the wing spar. The pilot reported that "there was no abnormal sound" from the engine prior to stopping. After the airplane was recovered from the tree tops, approximately 6 ounces of fuel was drained from the engine, and the Federal Aviation Administration inspector on scene found both fuel tanks empty. No other anomalies with either the engine or airframe were identified.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA296 for the full record.