On December 11, 1984, a Beech C45H (registration N636CF) was involved in an aviation accident near Littlefield, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient fuel while flying in instrument meteorological conditions over mountainous terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot encountered low ceilings and fog in mountain passes, ran out of fuel, and executed a precautionary landing on a flat mesa where the aircraft nosed over.
What happened
The pilot reported encountering low ceilings and fog while navigating through mountain passes. After several unsuccessful attempts to cross the mountains, he determined that he did not have sufficient fuel remaining to reach any airports located to the south. Consequently, he selected a flat mesa for a precautionary landing. The terrain was smooth but soft, causing the aircraft to nosed over upon touchdown.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process and the mechanical condition of the aircraft following the incident. The pilot stated that the primary factor leading to the emergency was the inability to clear the mountainous terrain due to weather conditions, which necessitated a diversion to an unprepared surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient fuel while flying in instrument meteorological conditions over mountainous terrain.