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Fuel Exhaustion During Final Approach Results in Landing Gear Separation (N5060D)

Norman, OK, US

On October 17, 1995, a Cessna 182A (registration N5060D) was involved in an aviation accident near Norman, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane resulting in fuel exhaustion. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing. 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

A pilot experienced fuel exhaustion on final approach. The airplane touched down on rough terrain, causing the nose and right main landing gear to separate. The accident occurred on the third leg of a cross-country flight; the pilot had not refueled at intermediate stops.

Accident Overview

On the third and final leg of a 355 nautical mile cross-country flight, the pilot reported that the airplane 'ran out of gas' while on final approach. The pilot attempted to land in a pasture, but was unable to reach it. The airplane subsequently touched down on rough terrain, causing the nose landing gear and right main landing gear to separate from the aircraft.

Flight Details

The pilot stated that the flight began with full fuel tanks. However, no check of fuel quantity or purchase of fuel was reported at either of the two intermediate stops during the cross-country trip. The accident sequence began on final approach to an unspecified destination.

Landing Attempt

After recognizing the fuel exhaustion, the pilot tried to land in a pasture. The airplane could not reach the intended landing area and instead contacted rough terrain. The impact resulted in the separation of the nose landing gear and the right main landing gear.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Oct 1995 Cessna 182A accident near Norman, OK?

A pilot experienced fuel exhaustion on final approach. The airplane touched down on rough terrain, causing the nose and right main landing gear to separate. The accident occurred on the third leg of a cross-country flight; the pilot had not refueled at intermediate stops.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Oct 1995 involved a Cessna 182A, registration N5060D, at Norman, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane resulting in fuel exhaustion. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04698. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.