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Fuel Exhaustion During Cross-Country Flight Leads to Forced Landing in Obstructed Field (N50MC)

Grape Creek, TX, US

On February 28, 2004, a Cessna T210M (registration N50MC) operated by Butler Brothers And Cervi Rodeo Company was involved in an aviation accident near Grape Creek, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper in-flight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain available 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

A commercial pilot reported full tanks before a 580-nm flight. At 11,000 feet, he requested a straight-in approach due to low fuel. The engine quit during descent, leading to a forced landing in a field with mesquite trees. Post-accident inspection found minimal fuel in the right

Incident Overview and Pilot Report A 6,500-hour commercial pilot stated that he completed a preflight inspection and verified all fuel tanks were full before departure. During a 580-nautical-mile cross-country flight, while cruising at 11,000 feet MSL, the pilot notified air traffic control that he was low on fuel and requested a straight-in approach to the airport. Approximately nine minutes later, while descending in instrument meteorological conditions, the pilot informed air traffic control that the engine was “quitting” and that he was out of gas. The pilot regained visual contact about 1,200 feet above the ground and executed a forced landing in a partially obstructed field. During the landing, the airplane struck mesquite trees of various sizes. Post-accident examination revealed that the right wing fuel tank contained approximately one cup of fuel, while no fuel was observed in the left fuel tank. Both fuel caps were found secured and intact.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Feb 2004 Cessna T210M accident near Grape Creek, TX?

A commercial pilot reported full tanks before a 580-nm flight. At 11,000 feet, he requested a straight-in approach due to low fuel. The engine quit during descent, leading to a forced landing in a field with mesquite trees. Post-accident inspection found minimal fuel in the right

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Feb 2004 Cessna T210M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Feb 2004 involved a Cessna T210M, registration N50MC, operated by Butler Brothers And Cervi Rodeo Company, at Grape Creek, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper in-flight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain available 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/20040331X00401. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.