Casualties unknown

Fuel Exhaustion Results in Forced Landing and Nose-Over (N300SF)

Lake Casitas, CA, US

On January 26, 1984, a Beech 60 (registration N300SF) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Casitas, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot, tasked with delivering a recently sold aircraft, experienced fuel exhaustion about 20 minutes after departing an intermediate stop. The aircraft nosed over during a forced landing in a muddy field.

Flight Details

A pilot was instructed by their company to deliver a recently sold aircraft to its new owner. During the delivery flight, the pilot made an intermediate stop but did not add fuel, believing that the existing fuel supply was sufficient for the remainder of the trip.

Fuel Exhaustion

Approximately 20 minutes after departing the intermediate stop, both engines began to surge and lose power. According to the pilot, the fuel gauges had indicated about 50 gallons of fuel on each side just before the power loss began. Post-accident examination revealed only a couple of ounces of fuel remaining aboard the aircraft. No fuel stains or leaks were observed after the accident.

Forced Landing

The pilot executed a forced landing in a muddy field. As the aircraft came to rest in a ravine, it nosed over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jan 1984 Beech 60 accident near Lake Casitas, CA?

A pilot, tasked with delivering a recently sold aircraft, experienced fuel exhaustion about 20 minutes after departing an intermediate stop. The aircraft nosed over during a forced landing in a muddy field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Jan 1984 involved a Beech 60, registration N300SF, at Lake Casitas, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38612. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.