FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Fuel Exhaustion During Multi-Stop Flight (N613CW)

Durango, CO, US

On March 21, 1997, a Cessna T210L (registration N613CW) was involved in an aviation accident near Durango, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper planning/decision, and failure to ensure there was sufficient fuel aboard for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot departed with 48 gallons of fuel for a 223 NM trip with four stops. The engine failed near the destination, leading to a forced landing in a sage brush field. No fuel was found in the aircraft or at the scene.

Incident Overview and Pilot Account A pilot reported departing with 48 gallons of fuel on board to complete a 223 nautical mile trip that included four full stops. The pilot stated that he believed the fuel quantity was sufficient for the journey and that he checked the fuel using a company-approved calibrated measuring device at each stop. As the aircraft approached its destination, the pilot reported that the engine quit, prompting him to perform a forced landing in a rugged sage brush field. Recovery personnel later found no fuel in the airplane and no evidence of fuel spillage or leakage on the ground at the scene. A representative of the airplane's manufacturer calculated that the trip, with four full stops, required approximately 56 gallons of fuel to complete.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Mar 1997 Cessna T210L accident near Durango, CO?

A pilot departed with 48 gallons of fuel for a 223 NM trip with four stops. The engine failed near the destination, leading to a forced landing in a sage brush field. No fuel was found in the aircraft or at the scene.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Mar 1997 involved a Cessna T210L, registration N613CW, at Durango, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper planning/decision, and failure to ensure there was sufficient fuel aboard for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for a successful 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/20001208X07547. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.