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Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss Following Suspected Fuel Quantity Problem (N731NC)

Carrollton, OH, US

On May 20, 1996, a Cessna P210N (registration N731NC) was involved in an aviation accident near Carrollton, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate fuel management. Factors in this accident were the pilot's reliance on a fuel data computer and his untimely reaction to a known fuel quantity discrepancy. 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 reported fuel exhaustion after engine power loss, with no fuel found at the accident site despite a computer indication of 12 gallons remaining.

Flight and Fuel Details

According to the pilot, the airplane was carrying 89 gallons of low lead aviation fuel at takeoff. The flight proceeded as planned until the pilot, nearing his destination, decided to land at an airport within 50 miles to refuel.

Engine Power Loss

Within miles of that airport, the engine lost power. The FAA inspector reported that the pilot and two passengers stated the airplane had run out of fuel.

Fuel Quantity Indications

The pilot said he suspected a fuel quantity problem when his fuel gauges began bouncing, even though his fuel computer indicated 12 gallons remaining.

Post-Accident Inspection

The FAA inspector's report noted no indication of fuel in the tanks or on the ground at the accident site.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 May 1996 Cessna P210N accident near Carrollton, OH?

A pilot reported fuel exhaustion after engine power loss, with no fuel found at the accident site despite a computer indication of 12 gallons remaining.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 May 1996 involved a Cessna P210N, registration N731NC, at Carrollton, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate fuel management. Factors in this accident were the pilot's reliance on a fuel data computer and his untimely reaction to a known fuel quantity discrepancy.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05793. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.