Casualties unknown

Aircraft Lands on Frozen Pond After Fuel Exhaustion (N83MC)

Liberty, MO, US

On January 21, 1984, an Aero Commander 690A (registration N83MC) operated by Central Air Charter was involved in an aviation accident near Liberty, MO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported a low fuel light illuminated 15 minutes from destination; engines quit 10 minutes later. The aircraft bounced off the runway, landed gear-up on a frozen pond.

Incident Summary

According to the pilot, approximately 15 minutes from the intended destination, the low fuel light illuminated in the cockpit. The aircraft was flown for about 10 more minutes before the engines sputtered and ceased operation. The pilot stated that during the subsequent forced landing, the aircraft came in too hot and bounced off the runway. After the bounce, the pilot retracted the landing gear and looked for a suitable field or road, eventually coming to rest on a frozen pond.

Post-Accident Investigation

A post-accident investigation revealed that less than 2 gallons of fuel remained aboard the aircraft at the time of the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38642. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.