Accident Overview
On an unspecified date, a Cessna 340A aircraft collided with terrain after experiencing fuel exhaustion near Lubbock, Texas. The aircraft impacted a cotton field approximately two miles northeast of the airport. Both occupants were injured. A post-accident examination revealed that illegal cargo was aboard the aircraft.
Flight History
The pilot did not declare an emergency or inform the tower controller that fuel was low. The pilot was initially instructed to enter right traffic for runway 17R, but was subsequently told to enter right traffic for runway 26. This change was made to allow a DEA aircraft, at its pilot's request, to land before the Cessna. The DEA aircraft had been trailing the Cessna since it crossed the border from Mexico into the United States. Shortly after the traffic change, the Cessna pilot informed the Lubbock control tower that he was landing on runway 17. Before the landing could be accomplished, the aircraft suffered fuel exhaustion and impacted the field.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause findings are as follows:
- Loss of engine power (total) due to fuel exhaustion (nonmechanical).
- Pilot-in-command's inaccurate fuel consumption calculations.
- Pilot-in-command's improper emergency procedure.
The sequence of events includes a forced landing and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain (cotton field) during descent in dark night conditions.