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Engine Failure Leads to Ditching Near Freeport (N480K)

Freeport, BahamasLanding (descent or approach)

On December 27, 1971, a Beechcraft 90 King Air (registration N480K) operated by Universal Aviation Company was involved in an aviation accident near Freeport, Bahamas during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of both engines in flight due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors: mismanagement of fuel, miscalculated fuel consumption, fuel exhaustion, failure of both engines. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

While approaching Freeport, both engines stopped simultaneously due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot ditched the aircraft 29 km south of Freeport, was quickly rescued, and the aircraft sank.

Incident Summary

While approaching Freeport, both engines of the aircraft stopped simultaneously. The pilot was able to inform air traffic control about his position and subsequently ditched the aircraft 29 km south of Freeport. The pilot was quickly rescued, and the aircraft sank and was lost.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the failure of both engines in flight due to fuel exhaustion. The following factors were reported: mismanagement of fuel, miscalculated fuel consumption, fuel exhaustion, and failure of both engines. The pilot stated that the fuel totalizer showed 387 lbs while the fuel gauges showed zero.

Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Dec 1971 Beechcraft 90 King Air accident near Freeport, Bahamas?

While approaching Freeport, both engines stopped simultaneously due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot ditched the aircraft 29 km south of Freeport, was quickly rescued, and the aircraft sank.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Dec 1971 Beechcraft 90 King Air accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Dec 1971 involved a Beechcraft 90 King Air, registration N480K, operated by Universal Aviation Company, at Freeport, Bahamas.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of both engines in flight due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors: mismanagement of fuel, miscalculated fuel consumption, fuel exhaustion, failure of both engines.

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