Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot-in-command's inattention to the fuel supply. A factor was rough and uneven terrain.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On June 21, 1994, at 1224 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28R- 200, N4572X, registered to James A. Katra of Columbia, Maryland, and piloted by an instrument rated private pilot, experienced a total loss of engine power and was substantially damaged during a forced landing. The pilot and two passengers reported minor injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. An IFR flight plan was on file. The flight departed Ft. Meade, Maryland, at 0822, with the intended destination of Gary, Indiana.
At 1219 the pilot of N4572X reported to the Chicago O'Hare Approach Control of the Federal Aviation Administration, "Chicago approach arrow four five seven two x-ray, I'm uh out of fuel and I can't get the other one started."
The pilot stated that after the engine quit he planned a forced landing on a freeway off-ramp, but on approach a truck entered the ramp. The landing was made adjacent to the ramp on rough, uneven terrain.
An examination of the fuel system subsequent to the accident, revealed only unusable fuel in the tanks. No leaks in the fuel system were found.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI94LA207