Casualties unknown

Pilot Cites Fuel Exhaustion After Both Engines Fail on Miami-Orlando Flight (N48VM)

Miami, FL, US

On May 2, 1985, a Britten-norman BN-2A-27 (registration N48VM) was involved in an aviation accident near Miami, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to poor preflight planning by the pilot. 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

A pilot experienced a dual engine failure due to fuel exhaustion during a Miami-Orlando round trip, leading to a night forced landing northwest of Miami International Airport. The pilot attributed the cause to inadequate preflight planning.

Incident Summary

On a round trip flight from Miami to Orlando and return, the aircraft consumed its fuel supply unexpectedly. With 75 gallons of fuel onboard for a flight the pilot estimated required 3 hours at 25 gallons per hour, both engines failed as the aircraft was returning to Miami. The pilot executed a night forced landing approximately one mile northwest of Miami International Airport.

Flight Details

The pilot reported that the round trip normally required three flight hours and that fuel consumption was 25 gallons per hour. The aircraft had a total of 75 gallons of fuel for the journey. No issues were reported during the outbound leg, but on the return to Miami, both engines ceased operation.

Landing

The forced landing occurred at night, about one mile northwest of the intended destination, Miami International Airport. The pilot successfully brought the aircraft to the ground without further incident.

Cause

The pilot stated that the accident was caused by fuel exhaustion due to poor preflight planning on his part. The investigation did not identify any mechanical issues with the aircraft or engines.

Probable cause

Fuel exhaustion due to poor preflight planning by the pilot.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36525. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.