No fatalities

Fuel Starvation Causes Dual Engine Failure and Forced Landing (N12068)

Kankakee-Greater Kankakee, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On August 15, 1964, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration N12068) operated by Rusk Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Kankakee-Greater Kankakee, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of both engines due to a fuel starvation. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a test flight, a twin-engine aircraft experienced simultaneous engine failure due to fuel starvation, leading to a belly landing in a field. The pilot was unhurt, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Overview

The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was conducting a local test flight in a twin-engine airplane. Shortly after departing from Kankakee-Greater Kankakee Airport, while climbing, both engines failed at the same time. The pilot immediately reduced altitude and executed an emergency belly landing in a field. After touchdown, the aircraft slid for several yards before coming to rest. The pilot sustained no injuries, though the airplane was damaged beyond repair.

Flight Details

The flight was a local test flight. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or specific purpose of the test flight are available from the source.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was failure of both engines due to fuel starvation.