No fatalities

Engine Flameout Leads to Forced Landing in Residential Area (N204AJ)

Houston-William P. Hobby, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 16, 1989, a Beechcraft 100 King Air (registration N204AJ) operated by Aviex Jet was involved in an aviation accident near Houston-William P. Hobby, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate preflight planning preparation & the improper inflight planning/decision by the pic when he failed to refuel the aircraft which resulted in a total loss of power in both engines. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A positioning flight with two passengers experienced a left engine sputter followed by dual flameout, leading to a forced landing in a residential area with multiple impacts. All three occupants were seriously injured.

Incident Overview

The airplane was on a positioning flight carrying two passengers. During the approach, while on base leg, the left engine began to sputter. The pilot activated the secondary boost pump, and the engine resumed normal operation. Shortly thereafter, both engines flamed out, resulting in a total loss of power.

Forced Landing and Impact Sequence

With both engines inoperative, the pilot executed a forced landing in a residential area. During the landing, the airplane struck a powerline, trees, a house, a fire hydrant, another tree, and a van before colliding with a second house.

Fuel System Condition

Investigators found no smell of fuel in the entire area. Examination of the fuel system revealed no usable fuel remaining.

Occupant Injuries

All three occupants—the pilot and two passengers—sustained serious injuries.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause is the inadequate preflight planning preparation and the improper inflight planning/decision by the pilot-in-command when he failed to refuel the aircraft, which resulted in a total loss of power in both engines.