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Dual-Engine Failure and Crash at Miami-Opa Locka Airport (N8902A)

Miami-Opa Locka, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 1, 1965, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N8902A) operated by Sunline Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Miami-Opa Locka, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Both engines failed due to fuel starvation, caused by the pilot's mismanagement of fuel and inattention to the fuel supply. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed near Miami-Opa Locka Airport after both engines failed during approach. The pilot lost control, and the plane stalled and impacted the ground. All seven occupants were rescued from the post-crash fire.

Incident Overview and Outcome During an approach to Miami-Opa Locka Airport, an aircraft experienced a simultaneous failure of both engines. The pilot subsequently lost control of the aircraft, which entered a stall and crashed a few hundred yards short of the runway. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft due to a post-crash fire. Despite the severity of the accident, all seven occupants on board were successfully rescued. ## Official Findings The investigation determined that the simultaneous engine failure was caused by fuel starvation. This condition resulted from the pilot's mismanagement of fuel and inattention to the fuel supply.

Probable cause

Both engines failed due to fuel starvation, caused by the pilot's mismanagement of fuel and inattention to the fuel supply.
Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 May 1965 Beechcraft D18 accident near Miami-Opa Locka, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed near Miami-Opa Locka Airport after both engines failed during approach. The pilot lost control, and the plane stalled and impacted the ground. All seven occupants were rescued from the post-crash fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 May 1965 Beechcraft D18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 May 1965 involved a Beechcraft D18, registration N8902A, operated by Sunline Helicopters, at Miami-Opa Locka, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Both engines failed due to fuel starvation, caused by the pilot's mismanagement of fuel and inattention to the fuel supply.

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