Casualties unknown

Engine Failure Prompts Forced Landing on Golf Course (N5540D)

Lincoln, NE, US

On February 9, 1999, a Beech 35 (registration N5540D) was involved in an aviation accident near Lincoln, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to perform an aircraft preflight which resulted in him selecting a fuel tank which had insufficient fuel for the flight and the subsequent fuel starvation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 an engine power loss shortly after takeoff from Lincoln, Nebraska, and landed on a golf course. Post-accident inspection revealed the left main fuel tank was empty while other tanks contained fuel.

Accident Description

A pilot flying a single-engine airplane experienced a loss of engine power shortly after departing from Lincoln, Nebraska. The airplane was at an altitude between 2,000 and 2,500 feet above ground level (agl) when the engine stopped producing power. The pilot executed a forced landing on a golf course near the airport.

The flight originated earlier that day from Wahoo, Nebraska, to Lincoln and was returning to Wahoo when the incident occurred. The pilot had last preflighted the airplane two days prior to the accident.

Post-Accident Findings

A post-accident inspection of the airplane revealed that the left main fuel tank was empty. The right main tank and the auxiliary tank still contained fuel. The pilot reported that he had used the left main tank for the takeoff.

The airplane sustained damage during the landing, but no injuries were reported.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00130. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.