No fatalities

Engine Failure and Forced Landing After Fuel Exhaustion During Gear Emergency (N69312)

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 2, 1997, a Cessna 402 (registration N69312) operated by Air Flight was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper management of fuel resulting in a total loss of engine power on both engines due to fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

During landing approach, the right main landing gear failed to indicate down. After go-around and unsuccessful gear extension, the pilot burned fuel offshore. Both engines surged and quit due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in a forced landing that collided with approach lights.

Incident Details

The pilot was on approach for landing when the right main landing gear did not indicate that it was down. The pilot executed a go-around and remained in left closed traffic while attempting emergency gear extension procedures, which yielded negative results. Subsequently, the pilot departed closed traffic and proceeded offshore to burn off fuel before attempting an emergency landing.

Emergency Procedures

A company airplane was dispatched to verify the landing gear position. The pilot then initiated a straight-in approach for landing from five miles away from the airport.

Engine Failure

During the approach, the right engine began to surge and then quit. Approximately one mile from the runway, the left engine started surging as well. The pilot switched fuel tanks, causing the engines to start momentarily before quitting again.

Forced Landing

The pilot made a forced landing straight ahead and collided with runway approach lights about one-quarter mile from the end of the runway. The pilot stated that he had run out of fuel.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause is the pilot's improper management of fuel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power on both engines due to fuel exhaustion.