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Fuel Exhaustion During Flight Results in Emergency Landing and Collision with Vehicle (N2791U)

Danville, CA, US

On June 27, 1993, a Cessna 172 (registration N2791U) operated by Tradewinds Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Danville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE DOWNSLOPING TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported full fuel tanks before a flight, but after flying 0.8 hours and performing multiple takeoffs and landings, the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion, leading to an emergency landing collision with a vehicle.

Accident Narrative

Before departing on the accident flight, the pilot reported that the fuel tanks were full and calculated the total fuel on board was equivalent to 4.2 hours of flight time. The investigation revealed that since the last refueling, the airplane had flown 0.8 hours. The pilot flew to two different airports before returning to the home base. He also performed two or three takeoffs and landings at the itinerary airports.

Engine Failure and Emergency Landing

About 30 minutes after departing the last itinerary airport, the engine sustained a total loss of power. During the ensuing emergency landing, the airplane collided with a vehicle.

Wreckage Examination

The wreckage examination disclosed that the airplane contained about 1 3/4 gallons of fuel in the left wing tank. The right wing tank was empty.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jun 1993 Cessna 172 accident near Danville, CA?

A pilot reported full fuel tanks before a flight, but after flying 0.8 hours and performing multiple takeoffs and landings, the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion, leading to an emergency landing collision with a vehicle.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jun 1993 involved a Cessna 172, registration N2791U, operated by Tradewinds Aviation, at Danville, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE DOWNSLOPING TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12664. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.