Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated he was landing at a dirt airstrip near his residence when his engine quit while maneuvering at a low altitude. He landed the airplane in a field, perpendicular to the field's furrows, resulting in the airplane coming to rest on its nose and sustaining damage to the propeller and nose landing gear, and substantial damage to the right wing. According to the FAA air safety inspector, no fuel was found in the wing fuel tanks during a post-accident examination. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA037 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 4, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Surprise, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Glendale Muni (GEU)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Jabiru JABIRU - SP
- N-number
- N593J
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2007
- 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.