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Casualties unknown

Fuel Exhaustion Leads to Double Engine Power Loss and Forced Landing on Highway (N6865D)

Vancourt, TX, US

On December 17, 1984, a Cessna 421C (registration N6865D) was involved in an aviation accident near Vancourt, TX. 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

After departing into known IFR conditions below approach minimums with inadequate fuel, the pilot experienced a double engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion and performed a gear-up forced landing on a highway after ATC assistance.

Background

The pilot obtained a complete weather briefing before departure.

Flight Details

The pilot departed into known instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions that were well below the approach minimums at the destination airport. The aircraft carried inadequate fuel reserves and had no filed alternate airport. After two missed approaches at the destination, the pilot's desired alternate airport was also below minimums.

Incident

En route to a second alternate airport, the aircraft experienced a double engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion.

Landing

A gear-up forced landing was performed on a highway. Air traffic control (ATC) personnel assisted the pilot in establishing visual contact with the ground before the landing.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Dec 1984 Cessna 421C accident near Vancourt, TX?

After departing into known IFR conditions below approach minimums with inadequate fuel, the pilot experienced a double engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion and performed a gear-up forced landing on a highway after ATC assistance.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Dec 1984 involved a Cessna 421C, registration N6865D, at Vancourt, TX.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41795. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.