NTSB Factual Report

On October 24, 2001, at 0315 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181, N4149D, collided with trees following a loss of engine power about four miles west of the Brunswick; Glynco Jetport, in Brunswick, Georgia. The airplane was operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and instrument flight rules (IFR). Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight had originated in Nashville, Tennessee, at 2330, the previous day.

According to the pilot, while enroute to Jacksonville, Florida, he noticed that he was low on fuel and contacted "flight control" for directions to the nearest airport. Air traffic control gave him a radar vector heading to Glynco Jetport. The pilot said he was at 3000 feet mean sea level and nine miles from the airport when he lost engine power. The pilot declared an emergency, and selectd a forced landing area. The airplane collided with trees four miles west of the airport as the pilot maneuvered for the emergency landing.

During the examination of the airplane, no fuel was recovered from the fuel system. Examination of the accident site revealed that the right wing assembly was lodged in a tree. The left wing remained attached to the airframe. The pilot didnot report a mechanical problem with the airplane prior to the total loss of engine power. According to the pilot, the airplane lost power about three hours and forty five minutes into the flight. The flight departed with 50 gallons of fuel.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper inflight planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was the none suitable terrain.