Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during a cross country flight, he "ran out" of fuel, and subsequently had to land on a two lane road. The pilot further reported that during the landing roll the right wing impacted a road sign, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.
According to the pilot there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA099 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 21, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wallace, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Henderson Field (ACZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built MD SPECIAL
- N-number
- N141MD
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1996
- 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.