Casualties unknown

Fuel Exhaustion Leads to Dual Engine Failure and Forced Landing in Virginia (N67A)

Fishersville, VA, US

On April 25, 1985, a Beech E18S (registration N67A) was involved in an aviation accident near Fishersville, VA. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft executing missed approaches experienced fuel exhaustion, causing both engines to fail. The pilot landed in a field, crossing an embankment before stopping on a highway.

Event Details

While approaching Charlottesville, Virginia, the intended destination, weather conditions forced a missed approach and diversion to Shenandoah Valley Airport. There, two more missed approaches were executed.

Sequence of Events

During the climb out from the second missed approach, the left engine failed due to fuel exhaustion, according to the pilot's post-accident statement. The pilot feathered the left propeller and notified Washington Center of the situation, requesting vectors to Waynesboro Airport. While en route to Waynesboro, the right engine began running rough and level flight could not be maintained. Shortly afterward, the right engine also failed. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field, continued over an embankment, and eventually came to rest on Virginia Route 608.

Post-Accident Inspection

An initial inspection of the aircraft revealed little or no fuel remaining.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36108. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.