N7426R

On May 10, 1996, at 1250 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N7426R, impacted terrain during a forced landing near Claude, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed. The pilot and the passenger received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Lufkin, Texas, 3 hours and 50 minutes before the accident.

Local authorities reported that the pilot stated that the airplane "ran out of fuel." During personal interviews, conducted by the FAA inspector, the pilot reported switching fuel tanks approximately every 30 minutes during the cross country flight. The right fuel tank was empty about 27 miles from the destination airport at Amarillo, Texas. The pilot switched to the left fuel tank which he estimated contained 5 to 6 gallons of fuel; however, the "engine quit." During the landing roll in a plowed field, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane rolled across the furrows before coming to rest in an inverted position.

The FAA inspector examined the airplane and reported that both fuel tanks were empty. Damage was reported to the nose gear, vertical stabilizer, cockpit (crushed inward 6 inches) and the leading edge wing stringers.

On the Pilot/Operator Report a safety recommendation was submitted. The pilot stated that this accident could have been prevented if he had "stopped for fuel."