On March 11, 1994, a Beech C23 (registration N5258M) operated by Anoka Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Aurora, NE. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to the removal of 15 gallons of fuel by the operator prior to takeoff for weight and balance purposes. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced an engine power loss approximately three miles from the destination airport, necessitating a forced landing in a soft, muddy field. The aircraft sustained substantial damage upon impact.
What happened
The pilot reported that approximately 3 miles from the destination airport, the engine lost power. A forced landing was made in a soft, muddy field at which time the airplane was substantially damaged.
The investigation
Inspection of the airplane revealed no fuel on board. The pilot had the operator remove 15 gallons of fuel prior to takeoff for weight and balance purposes.
Findings
The absence of fuel in the tanks, resulting from the pre-flight removal of 15 gallons by the operator, led directly to the engine power loss. This situation highlights the critical importance of verifying fuel quantities after any adjustments are made for weight and balance calculations.
Probable cause
Fuel exhaustion due to the removal of 15 gallons of fuel by the operator prior to takeoff for weight and balance purposes.
What happened in the 11 Mar 1994 Beech C23 accident near Aurora, NE?
A pilot experienced an engine power loss approximately three miles from the destination airport, necessitating a forced landing in a soft, muddy field. The aircraft sustained substantial damage upon impact.
Were there any fatalities in the 11 Mar 1994 Beech C23 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Mar 1994 involved a Beech C23, registration N5258M, operated by Anoka Flying Service, at Aurora, NE.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fuel exhaustion due to the removal of 15 gallons of fuel by the operator prior to takeoff for weight and balance purposes.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…