Probable cause
The pilot’s improper fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, following an uneventful banner-tow flight, he was returning the airplane to its home operating base when the engine began losing power. The pilot's attempts to restore engine power were unsuccessful, and he subsequently performed a forced landing to a forested area, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed that, despite the damage that the airframe incurred during the accident, both main wing fuel tanks remained intact. The fuel tanks and the fuel system were found absent of fuel. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14LA198 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 13, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-135
- N-number
- N2875D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1952
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.