The pilot exhausted all the fuel in both of the fuel tanks prior to reaching his destination, and was forced to maneuver for an emergency landing in a hay field near Lexington, Nebraska.
After he lost sight of the hay bales that lined the field, he decided to “slightly pull up.” Subsequently, the Piper PA-28 aerodynamically stalled and the right wing hit the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and loss of engine power. Additionally, the pilot’s failure to maintain pitch control during the emergency landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
NTSB Identification: GAA15CA261
This September 2015 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
I don’t understand why we push our luck when flying. Gas is available just about every where. Can we not take a few minutes to stop and gas up. Pulling over is not an option and landing on something other than an airstrip is dangerous. So Why???
The most preventable cause of GA accidents, fuel starvation, just keeps on happening which makes a mockery of General Aviation safety. This should by regulation result in an automatic suspension/surrender of the pilot certificate for a minimum of one year followed by a flight check by a designated FAA check airman for recertification.