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Engine Failure on Approach After Fuel Mismanagement (N5751K)

Colorado Spring, CO, US

On June 14, 2003, a Beech S35 (registration N5751K) operated by Peter J. Vercouteren was involved in an aviation accident near Colorado Spring, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost track of his fuel situation and failed to switch tanks. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost track of the fuel situation and failed to switch tanks, leading to an engine failure on approach. The aircraft landed with gear up and flaps retracted, sustaining substantial damage.

Incident Overview

While being vectored to avoid weather, the pilot lost track of his fuel situation and failed to switch tanks. On approach, the engine stopped. The pilot elected to touch down with the landing gear up and the flaps retracted. During the forced landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage.

Aftermath

According to the pilot, when a salvage company retrieved the airplane from the field, approximately 2.5 hours of fuel was found in the airplane.

Findings

The incident highlights a fuel mismanagement error during flight operations. The pilot's failure to monitor fuel levels and switch tanks resulted in an engine stoppage and subsequent forced landing.

Probable cause

The pilot lost track of his fuel situation and failed to switch tanks.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jun 2003 Beech S35 accident near Colorado Spring, CO?

A pilot lost track of the fuel situation and failed to switch tanks, leading to an engine failure on approach. The aircraft landed with gear up and flaps retracted, sustaining substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jun 2003 Beech S35 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jun 2003 involved a Beech S35, registration N5751K, operated by Peter J. Vercouteren, at Colorado Spring, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost track of his fuel situation and failed to switch tanks.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030618X00899. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.