Casualties unknown

Aircraft Crashes After Fuel Exhaustion Short of Runway (N100FG)

Moline, IL, US

On August 7, 1985, a Cessna 402B (registration N100FG) was involved in an aviation accident near Moline, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to use the auxiliary fuel tanks during flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of engine power. 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

The aircraft landed on soft terrain 1500 feet short of the runway after a total loss of power. The pilot failed to use auxiliary fuel tanks, exhausting the main tanks and preventing engine restart.

What happened

The aircraft touched down on soft terrain approximately 1500 feet short of the runway threshold. This landing occurred immediately following a complete loss of engine power during the approach phase.

The investigation

Post-accident examination revealed that the fuel boost pumps, which are located within the main fuel tanks, were unable to supply fuel to the engines at a sufficient rate to facilitate an engine restart. The pilot reported that he did not utilize the fuel stored in the auxiliary tanks during the flight.

Findings

The sequence of events was driven by fuel exhaustion in the main fuel tanks. The pilot failed to switch to the auxiliary fuel tanks as required, leading to a total depletion of usable fuel. Consequently, the pilot was unable to maintain power or restart the engines after the initial failure.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to use the auxiliary fuel tanks during flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of engine power.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37414. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.