Casualties unknown

Fuel Exhaustion Forces Landing Near Runway After Departure from Scottsdale (N4661V)

Mesa, AZ, US

On May 14, 1985, a Cessna T303 (registration N4661V) was involved in an aviation accident near Mesa, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Both engines stopped due to fuel exhaustion. 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 reported minimum fuel shortly after takeoff from Scottsdale; both engines stopped due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in a forced landing near runway 22R.

Flight Details

The pilot departed from Scottsdale at 1934 MST for a 13 nautical mile repositioning flight to the home base. Within minutes, the pilot advised air traffic control that he was six miles out with minimum fuel and requested no delay. He then asked for clearance to land on runway 22R and received clearance.

Forced Landing

At 1943 MST, the pilot informed the tower that he was not going to make the runway. Both engines had stopped due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot executed a forced landing in a level dirt area approximately one-quarter mile from the approach end of runway 22R.

Fuel Information

The pilot reported that the aircraft contained 120 pounds of fuel upon departure from Scottsdale and that no low fuel warning was received. According to the pilot's operating handbook, the low fuel warning light should illuminate when there is less than 60 gallons of fuel in either tank or when total fuel on board is less than 120 gallons. The manual also stated that the aircraft burns 170 gallons per hour at 70 percent power.

Probable cause

Both engines stopped due to fuel exhaustion

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36510. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.