No fatalities

Cargo Aircraft Suffers Engine Failure Due to Fuel Exhaustion Near Wright-Patterson AFB (N601Z)

Piqua, United States of AmericaFlight

On October 14, 1965, an Armstrong Whitworth AW.650 Argosy (registration N601Z) operated by Zantop Air Transport was involved in an aviation accident near Piqua, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure caused by a fuel exhaustion. Inadequate preflight preparation and miscalculated fuel consumption on part of the flying crew. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight from Madison-Truax Field to Wright-Patterson AFB lost all four engines simultaneously while descending. The crew made an emergency landing in a field, striking a bridge pile and vehicles. All three crew sustained minor injuries; the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview

On a cargo flight operating for the US Air Force, a multi-engine aircraft departed Madison-Truax Field at 1610 local time, en route to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. While descending north of Dayton, all four engines stopped simultaneously, prompting the crew to initiate an immediate emergency landing in a field.

Emergency Landing and Impact

The aircraft slid across the ground after touchdown, eventually colliding with a bridge pile and several vehicles before coming to rest. All three crew members suffered minor injuries, while no injuries were reported among persons on the ground.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair as a result of the forced landing and subsequent impact with obstacles.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors included inadequate preflight preparation and miscalculated fuel consumption on the part of the flying crew.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Oct 1965 Armstrong Whitworth AW.650 Argosy accident near Piqua, United States of America?

A cargo flight from Madison-Truax Field to Wright-Patterson AFB lost all four engines simultaneously while descending. The crew made an emergency landing in a field, striking a bridge pile and vehicles. All three crew sustained minor injuries; the aircraft was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Oct 1965 Armstrong Whitworth AW.650 Argosy accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Oct 1965 involved an Armstrong Whitworth AW.650 Argosy, registration N601Z, operated by Zantop Air Transport, at Piqua, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure caused by a fuel exhaustion. Inadequate preflight preparation and miscalculated fuel consumption on part of the flying crew.