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Fuel Exhaustion Leads to Forced Landing Near Charlottesville (N1929M)

Charlottesville, VA, US

On December 14, 1996, a Cessna T210M (registration N1929M) was involved in an aviation accident near Charlottesville, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's miscalculation of fuel consumption and his inadequate in-flight decision making, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power. 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 diverted to Charlottesville due to severe headwinds, experienced two engine power losses, and executed a forced landing in a cow pasture after both fuel tanks were found empty.

Incident Overview

While en route at 11,500 feet MSL, a pilot encountered severe headwinds and decided to divert to Charlottesville for refueling. Approximately two to three minutes after initiating a descent toward Charlottesville, the engine lost power. The pilot switched from the left to the right fuel tank, which restored power. However, later at an altitude of 4,500 feet MSL, a second power loss occurred. Unable to glide to the airport, the pilot executed a forced landing in a cow pasture about one mile short of the airport.

Post-Incident Examination

An FAA examination of the airplane revealed that both fuel tanks were empty.

Pilot's Remarks

The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by proper fuel calculation along with a fuel computer installed, because of the frequency-distances-complexity of the average mission.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Dec 1996 Cessna T210M accident near Charlottesville, VA?

A pilot diverted to Charlottesville due to severe headwinds, experienced two engine power losses, and executed a forced landing in a cow pasture after both fuel tanks were found empty.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Dec 1996 Cessna T210M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Dec 1996 involved a Cessna T210M, registration N1929M, at Charlottesville, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's miscalculation of fuel consumption and his inadequate in-flight decision making, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07231. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.