NTSB Factual Report

On September 21, 2004, approximately 0620 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181 single-engine airplane, N282HP, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during cruise near Haskell, Texas. The private pilot, who was the owner and operator of the airplane, and his dog sustained minor injuries. The flight originated from the Mustang Beach Airport (2R8), near Port Aransas, Texas, approximately 0200, and was destined for the San Marcos Municipal Airport (HYI), near San Marcos, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

In a telephone interview with an NTSB investigator, the 380-hour pilot reported that he filled both wing tanks with fuel prior to his departure from Port Aransas. While enroute to San Marcos, the pilot switched fuel tanks approximately every 30 minutes. Upon reaching San Marcos the pilot elected to continue the flight "because it was a beautiful night," and continued to fly on a northerly heading toward Haskell, Texas.

The pilot added that as he approached Haskell he observed the fuel gauges to indicate near empty, so he checked a sectional chart looking for a place to land. Shortly after, and approximately four hours and fifteen minutes into the flight, the engine lost power and the pilot made a forced landing to a field. During the landing roll-out, the airplane collided with several small trees and a barbed-wire fence.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, both fuel tanks were intact and empty. There was no evidence of any fuel spill or leaks at the accident site. In addition, both wings sustained structural damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper inflight planning which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.