No fatalities

Double Engine Failure on Approach Leads to Crash Landing near Elk City Airport (N3775C)

Elk City, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 23, 1976, a Cessna 402 (registration N3775C) operated by Thermo Dyne was involved in an aviation accident near Elk City, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure caused by a fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors: inadequate preflight preparation, instructions misinterpreted. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

Both engines failed on approach to Elk City Airport; pilot performed off-airport landing in field. Three occupants injured, two seriously.

Accident Overview

A twin-engine aircraft experienced a simultaneous failure of both engines while on approach to Elk City Airport. The pilot responded by reducing altitude and attempting an emergency landing off the airport on land. The aircraft subsequently crash landed and came to rest in a field.

Sequence of Events

On approach to Elk City Airport, both engines failed at the same time. The pilot initiated a descent and aimed for an off-airport landing on terrain. The aircraft ultimately crash landed in a field, where it came to rest.

Injuries

All three occupants of the aircraft sustained injuries. Two of them suffered serious injuries, while the third occupant was also injured but not specified as serious.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause was a double engine failure resulting from fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors identified were inadequate preflight preparation and misinterpretation of instructions.