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Beech BE-76 accident at Dravosburg, PA, 15 Mar 1999 (N6638C)

Dravosburg, PA, US

On March 15, 1999, a Beech BE-76 (registration N6638C) was involved in an aviation accident near Dravosburg, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to accurately calculate fuel required for the flight, and his decision not to divert for fuel prior to his intended destination. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to accurately calculate fuel required for the flight, and his decision not to divert for fuel prior to his intended destination. A factor in the accident was the pilot's over confidence in his ability to operate the airplane with minimal fuel onboard.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

After the pilot flew 4 hours and 37 minutes he reported the airport insight, and was cleared to land. The airplane then crashed 1 1/2 miles from the runway. No pre impact failures or malfunctions were identified. No fuel was found in the right engine fuel lines, and a few drops from the left. The airplane departed with 100 gallons of useable fuel, and flew at 9,000 feet msl with the cabin heater on. The airplane's gross weight at take off was approximately 4,337 pounds. The maximum gross weight at takeoff was published as 3,900 pounds. Fuel endurance at 9,000 feet pressure altitude was published as approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes with 2,500 engine rpm. Fuel consumption for the heater was listed as 2/3 gallons per hour. On a prior flight, the pilot landed the accident airplane with 2 gallons of usable fuel onboard.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Mar 1999 Beech BE-76 accident near Dravosburg, PA?

After the pilot flew 4 hours and 37 minutes he reported the airport insight, and was cleared to land. The airplane then crashed 1 1/2 miles from the runway. No pre impact failures or malfunctions were identified. No fuel was found in the right engine fuel lines, and a few drops from the left. The airplane departed…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Mar 1999 involved a Beech BE-76, registration N6638C, at Dravosburg, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to accurately calculate fuel required for the flight, and his decision not to divert for fuel prior to his intended destination. A factor in the accident was the pilot's over confidence in his ability to operate the airplane with minimal fuel onboard.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00331. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.