Casualties unknown

Pilot's miscalculation of fuel leads to forced landing (N704ZF)

Burlington, WI, US

On September 26, 1993, a Cessna 150M (registration N704ZF) operated by Scott, Weis was involved in an aviation accident near Burlington, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion during flight. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot underestimated the fuel required for a flight, failed to refuel before departure, and experienced engine failure after two hours, resulting in a forced landing on uphill terrain.

What happened

The pilot estimated the fuel requirements for the intended flight but made an error in calculation. Despite this assessment, he did not add any fuel to the airplane before departing. Approximately two hours into the flight, the aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot was forced to land off-airport, during which the nose gear struck uphill terrain.

The investigation

Following the accident, investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system. The examination revealed that only unusable fuel remained in the tanks, indicating that the engine had been starved of fuel during operation.

Findings

The primary factor contributing to this incident was the pilot's failure to properly calculate and provide adequate fuel for the flight. This oversight led directly to fuel exhaustion and the subsequent loss of power. The resulting forced landing caused damage to the nose gear due to the uneven terrain.

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion during flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Sept 1993 Cessna 150M accident near Burlington, WI?

A pilot underestimated the fuel required for a flight, failed to refuel before departure, and experienced engine failure after two hours, resulting in a forced landing on uphill terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Sept 1993 involved a Cessna 150M, registration N704ZF, operated by Scott, Weis, at Burlington, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion during flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13390. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.