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Casualties unknown

Engine Failure During Visual Approach After Fuel Mismanagement (N9865F)

Atlanta, GA, US

On July 15, 1990, a Cessna 340 (registration N9865F) operated by Bill Walker And Associates was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INADEQUATE FUEL MANAGEMENT, IN THAT HE DID NOT SELECT MAIN FUEL TANKS PRIOR TO THIS APPROACH. THIS RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION TO THE ENGINES, AND THE SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF ALL 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a visual approach, both engines quit after level-off. The aircraft impacted terrain 1/4 mile from the airport. Investigation found only 0.25 gallons of fuel in the left auxiliary tank; other tanks were ruptured. The pilot had been using auxiliary tanks during descent, contrary to their intended use for cruise flight only.

Incident Overview

A pilot experienced a dual engine failure after leveling off from a descent for a visual approach. The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain approximately one-quarter mile from the airport.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported switching to the main fuel tanks 12 miles from the airport and stated that each of the four tanks contained about 150 pounds of fuel.

Inspection Findings

Post-impact inspection of the aircraft revealed that the left auxiliary fuel tank contained only 0.25 gallons of fuel. The remaining tanks were ruptured due to impact forces, preventing accurate fuel quantity measurement.

Fuel Management

The aircraft's auxiliary fuel tanks are designed for use during cruise flight only. However, the pilot reported using the auxiliary tanks during the descent for landing, contrary to this operational limitation.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jul 1990 Cessna 340 accident near Atlanta, GA?

During a visual approach, both engines quit after level-off. The aircraft impacted terrain 1/4 mile from the airport. Investigation found only 0.25 gallons of fuel in the left auxiliary tank; other tanks were ruptured. The pilot had been using auxiliary tanks during descent, contrary to their intended use for cruise…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jul 1990 involved a Cessna 340, registration N9865F, operated by Bill Walker And Associates, at Atlanta, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INADEQUATE FUEL MANAGEMENT, IN THAT HE DID NOT SELECT MAIN FUEL TANKS PRIOR TO THIS APPROACH. THIS RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION TO THE ENGINES, AND THE SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF ALL ENGINE POWER.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23594. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.