N2505Q

On March 15, 1997, about 1316 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-181, N2505Q, registered to a private individual, experienced a total loss of engine power and was substantially damaged during a forced landing southwest of the John C. Tune Airport, Nashville, Tennessee. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an IFR flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The private-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated about 1030 eastern standard time from the Asheboro Municipal Airport, Asheboro, North Carolina.

The pilot stated that during cruise flight about 3 hours into the flight, he contemplated stopping at a nearby airport to refuel but elected to continue to his planned destination. The flight was about 7 nautical miles west of the John C. Tune airport when the engine experienced a loss of power. He then advised ATC of the loss of power and was vectored toward there. Unable to land at the airport the pilot executed a forced landing to a field but while descending, the right wing collided with a tree. The airplane then impacted the field and came to rest upright. The pilot further stated that at the time of the loss of engine power, the left fuel gauge indicated empty and the right fuel gauge indicated 1/8 capacity.

Examination of the airplane by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed no fuel remaining in the fuel tanks and no fuel leakage was noted.