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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Crash Due to Fuel Exhaustion (N678BC)

Jacksonville, TX, US

On February 18, 2003, a Cessna 172K (registration N678BC) was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonville, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation for the flight which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. 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

An airplane crashed into a grove of trees about 1/4 mile short of the runway after the engine stopped on final approach. Post-recovery examination found no fuel in either tank.

Incident Overview and Pilot Report An airplane impacted and came to rest in a grove of trees approximately 1/4 mile short of the landing threshold of the runway. The 400-hour pilot reported to the FAA inspector that the engine began sputtering and running rough while he was on final, until it finally stopped. The propeller did not exhibit signs of rotational damage, and post-recovery examination of the fuel tanks revealed no fuel was present in either tank. The airplane had been airborne for four hours since the time it departed on a 410-nautical miles cross-country flight. No refueling stops were made along the route of flight.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Feb 2003 Cessna 172K accident near Jacksonville, TX?

An airplane crashed into a grove of trees about 1/4 mile short of the runway after the engine stopped on final approach. Post-recovery examination found no fuel in either tank.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Feb 2003 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N678BC, at Jacksonville, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation for the flight which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the 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/20030219X00237. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.