On October 18, 1997, a Beech V-35 (registration N5482U) operated by Robert R. Francis was involved in an aviation accident near Medford, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot-reported minimum fuel and requested priority handling inbound to Medford. The aircraft crashed one mile southeast of runway 34. Investigators found no fuel onboard, no postcrash fire, and no mechanical malfunction.
Crash Details
A pilot flying an airplane inbound to Medford reported minimum fuel and requested priority handling. The aircraft subsequently crashed approximately one mile southeast of runway 34, failing to reach the airport.
On-Scene Investigation
The day after the accident, investigators conducted an on-scene examination. They found no evidence of a postcrash fire, no indication of fuel onboard the airplane, and no signs of mechanical malfunction.
Firefighter Observations
Local fire department personnel advised FAA inspectors that there was no evidence or odor of fuel at the accident scene.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Oct 1997 Beech V-35 accident near Medford, OR?
A pilot-reported minimum fuel and requested priority handling inbound to Medford. The aircraft crashed one mile southeast of runway 34. Investigators found no fuel onboard, no postcrash fire, and no mechanical malfunction.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Oct 1997 involved a Beech V-35, registration N5482U, operated by Robert R. Francis, at Medford, OR.
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