Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss Due to Fuel Exhaustion Forces Emergency Landing Near Vacaville (N6414P)

French Gulch, CA, US

On September 20, 1991, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N6414P) operated by Raab, Mark L. was involved in an aviation accident near French Gulch, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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 departed Nutt Tree Airport with 10 gallons of fuel for a 1-hour flight. After 41 minutes, engine power ceased, leading to an emergency landing in a field. The right wing struck a manzanita bush. Investigation found no fuel remaining in tanks.

Incident Details

A pilot departed Nutt Tree Airport in Vacaville, California, for a flight to Trinity Center, California. The aircraft carried 10 gallons of fuel for the planned 1-hour journey. Approximately 41 minutes into the flight, the engine power ceased. The pilot executed an emergency landing in a small field covered with brush. During the landing roll, the airplane's right wing collided with a manzanita bush.

Investigation Findings

Following the incident, an investigation was conducted. It revealed that there was no fuel remaining in any of the fuel tanks. The lack of fuel resulted in the loss of engine power.

Probable cause

Fuel exhaustion

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18127. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.