Probable cause
The pilot’s improper preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the total loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while on a cross-country flight, he diverted from his destination to a nearby airport due to low fuel. He added that the right fuel tank "went dry" and that the engine lost power on downwind, so he switched to the left fuel tank, and the engine momentarily restarted before it experienced a total power loss of power on base. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the instrument landing system lights, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He reported that he miscalculated the fuel and "ran out of gas." A postaccident examination found about 1 cup of fuel in one of the tanks.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA089 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 2, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Thomson, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Thomson-Mcduffie County (HQU)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night, dark
Piper PA 28
- N-number
- N2367R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- 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.