Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, fuel planning, and improper fuel management during flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent off-airport hard landing.
NTSB analysis
During a cross-country flight, about 12 miles from of his destination the pilot stated that the engine lost all power “due to fuel exhaustion.” The pilot conducted a forced landing to a field, during which the landing gear collapsed due to the airplane’s “excessive vertical speed.” The airplane’s wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot further stated that he failed to check the airplane’s fuel levels prior to or during the flight.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA010 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 11, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nicklesville, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built DAKOTA HAWK
- N-number
- N357PC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2019
- 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.