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Pilot forced to emergency road landing after fuel exhaustion and aborted approaches in Scranton (N35354)

Olyhant, PA, US

On June 24, 1987, a Cessna 172 (registration N35354) was involved in an aviation accident near Olyhant, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel reserve, resulting in fuel exhaustion during flight, while operating in heavy fog conditions that required multiple aborted landings. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempting to refuel in heavy fog made six aborted landings before running out of fuel, resulting in an emergency road landing and crash into a wooded area.

What happened

The aircraft was operating as a personal cross-country transportation flight when it arrived in the Scranton, Pennsylvania area for a planned refueling stop. Upon arrival, the pilot encountered heavy fog conditions which significantly reduced visibility.

Six attempts to land at the intended airport were made but were aborted due to the weather. The pilot then attempted to land at another airport, but that approach was also aborted. With the aircraft running out of fuel, the pilot decided to make an emergency landing on a road. The aircraft subsequently crashed in a wooded area.

The investigation

The source text does not provide specific details regarding mechanical examination or post-accident inspection findings beyond the sequence of events leading to the crash.

Findings

Contributing factors included heavy fog conditions which necessitated multiple aborted approaches and ultimately led to fuel exhaustion. The pilot's decision to continue flight operations in deteriorating weather without adequate fuel reserves resulted in the forced landing.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel reserve, resulting in fuel exhaustion during flight, while operating in heavy fog conditions that required multiple aborted landings.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jun 1987 Cessna 172 accident near Olyhant, PA?

A pilot attempting to refuel in heavy fog made six aborted landings before running out of fuel, resulting in an emergency road landing and crash into a wooded area.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jun 1987 involved a Cessna 172, registration N35354, at Olyhant, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel reserve, resulting in fuel exhaustion during flight, while operating in heavy fog conditions that required multiple aborted landings.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31323. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.