N810EM

On July 13, 1996, at 0740 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32RT-300T, N810EM, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of power near Rogers, Arkansas. The instrument rated commercial pilot sustained minor injuries, and his passenger was seriously injured. The airplane, owned and operated by a private owner, was operating under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight for which an instrument flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Tupelo, Mississippi, at approximately 0600.

According to witnesses and law enforcement personnel at the accident site, the pilot executed 3 missed approaches at the Rogers Municipal Airport while attempting to land with weather below published minimums. At 0734, the pilot reported to ATC that he was low on fuel. Two minutes later, the pilot reported that he was out of fuel. The airplane was last observed on radar descending through 1,500 feet, and subsequently impacted trees approximately one mile northwest of the airport.

The FAA inspector at the accident site reported that the left wing separated from the airframe and the airplane came to a stop on its left side. The empennage was found partially separated and twisted to the right. The nose and right main landing gear were collapsed and the engine penetrated into the cockpit area. No significant blade leading edge damage was found on either propeller blade. Examination of the fuel cells revealed by local authorities and the aircraft recovery crew revealed that no usable fuel remained in either fuel cell.

Repeated attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Report from the pilot were unsuccessful. He could not be reached telephonically either. The enclosed NTSB form 6120.1/2 was completed by the owners of the airplane.