No fatalities

Pilot Reports Fuel Exhaustion Forcing Landing on Road Near Runway; Left Wing Struck Bush

Tallahassee, FL, United States

On July 30, 2015, a BELLANCA 17 30A A operated by RUSH INC was involved in an aviation accident near Tallahassee, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing on a road where the left wing impacted vegetation and sustained substantial damage. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported running out of fuel during a cross-country flight, forcing a landing on a road adjacent to an active runway. During landing roll, the left wing struck a bush and the airplane entered a ditch, resulting in substantial damage.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported that while on a cross-country flight, fuel exhaustion occurred, necessitating a forced landing on a road. The road was located near and adjacent to the approach end of an active runway.

Events Leading to Landing

According to the pilot's statement, the fuel exhaustion led to the decision to land on the road. The pilot managed to execute the landing without further incident until the landing roll.

Landing Impact and Damage

During the landing roll, the left wing of the aircraft impacted a bush. Subsequently, the airplane departed the road to the left and entered a ditch. The left wing sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact with the bush and the ditch.

Mechanical Assessment

The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The aircraft was otherwise functioning properly before the fuel exhaustion event.

Overall Incident Summary

The incident occurred during a cross-country flight. The pilot attributed the forced landing to fuel exhaustion. No further details were provided in the source regarding injuries, other damage, or environmental conditions.

Contributing factors

PilotFluid level

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jul 2015 BELLANCA 17 30A A accident near Tallahassee, FL?

A pilot reported running out of fuel during a cross-country flight, forcing a landing on a road adjacent to an active runway. During landing roll, the left wing struck a bush and the airplane entered a ditch, resulting in substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Jul 2015 BELLANCA 17 30A A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jul 2015 involved a BELLANCA 17 30A A, operated by RUSH INC, at Tallahassee, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing on a road where the left wing impacted vegetation and sustained substantial damage.