Casualties unknown

1984-09-30: Beech C24R (N6703W) — Bismarck, ND

Bismarck, ND, US

On September 30, 1984, a Beech C24R (registration N6703W) was involved in an aviation accident near Bismarck, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's miscalculation of fuel consumption. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot miscalculated fuel consumption after an en-route climb to a higher altitude resulted in stronger headwinds and increased fuel burn, leading to a forced landing 2.5 miles from the airport.

Overview

A pilot conducted a forced landing 2.5 miles south of the intended airport after fuel exhaustion. The pilot had calculated the flight duration as 4 hours 33 minutes, with 5.2 hours of fuel onboard.

Sequence of Events

En route, the pilot was requested to climb from 6,000 feet to 8,000 feet, then further to 9,000 feet. The climbs were performed at full power, resulting in a 'fuel full burn' condition. At the higher altitude, stronger headwinds were encountered. The pilot ultimately performed a forced landing due to fuel exhaustion.

Fuel Management

It is not known what leaning technique, if any, was used en route. The pilot stated that the principal reason for the forced landing due to fuel exhaustion was his own miscalculation of fuel consumption.

Probable cause

The pilot's miscalculation of fuel consumption.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41053. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.