Casualties unknown

Fuel Miscalculation Leads to Dual Engine Failure and Forced Landing in Parking Lot (N10TM)

Chattanooga, TN, US

On September 20, 2007, a Beech B90 (registration N10TM) was involved in an aviation accident near Chattanooga, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion during the landing approach. 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

A pilot misjudged fuel quantity, leading to both engines losing power on final approach to a diversion airport, resulting in a forced landing in a parking lot.

Incident Overview

A pilot departing on a planned flight misjudged the available fuel quantity, leading to a diversion and subsequent dual engine failure before landing in a parking lot.

Pilot's Fuel Assessment

Before departure, the pilot checked the fuel quantity indicators and believed approximately 3 hours of fuel was available for the flight, which was estimated to take 1 hour and 20 minutes. However, after reaching cruise, the pilot realized that insufficient fuel remained to complete the planned flight and decided to divert to a closer airport.

Loss of Engine Power

While on final approach to the diversionary airport, both engines lost power. The pilot then executed a forced landing to a parking lot.

Pilot's Statement

When asked about the airplane's performance and handling during the flight, the pilot stated, "the airplane performed the way it was suppose to when it ran out of fuel."

Conclusion

The pilot's miscalculation of fuel endurance resulted in the diversion and eventual loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071005X01517. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.