Casualties unknown

Pilot fails to refuel prior to departure, resulting in forced landing (N7590R)

Boulder, CO, US

On October 30, 1995, a Cessna 182TR (registration N7590R) operated by Dakota Ridge Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply prior to departure, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a total loss of power during a local flight due to fuel exhaustion and was forced to land in an unoccupied parking lot.

What happened

During a local flight, the aircraft experienced a total loss of power. The pilot executed a forced landing in an unoccupied parking lot. Upon impact with the ground, the aircraft struck a light pole.

The investigation

A post-accident examination of the airframe revealed that there was no fuel aboard. Further investigation determined that the pilot had not fueled the aircraft prior to departure.

Findings

The primary factor leading to this incident was the failure to provide adequate fuel for the intended flight. This oversight resulted in fuel exhaustion during the local operation.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply prior to departure, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04707. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.