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Aircraft Crashes After Engine Failure Due to Fuel Starvation (C-FTEB)

Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon, CanadaFlight

On July 17, 1978, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration C-FTEB) operated by La Sarre Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon, Canada in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that although the fuel gauge showed 8 gallons in the tank it was almost empty. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While flying at 300 feet, the engine stopped due to lack of fuel. The pilot switched to another tank but lacked time to restart. The airplane crashed on a wooded hillside. The pilot was slightly injured and the aircraft was written off.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft was flying at an altitude of 300 feet when the engine stopped due to a lack of fuel. The pilot immediately changed the fuel selector to another tank that was expected to contain 16 gallons of fuel and attempted to restart the engine. However, the pilot did not have sufficient time or altitude to complete the restart operation. The single-engine airplane subsequently lost height and crashed onto the slope of a wooded hill.

Injuries and Damage

The pilot sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was written off as a result of the impact.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined that the fuel gauge for the tank in use at the time of the engine stoppage indicated 8 gallons, but the tank was nearly empty. The other tank, to which the pilot switched, contained an adequate amount of fuel, but the pilot was unable to restart the engine before the aircraft struck the terrain.

Probable cause

It was determined that although the fuel gauge showed 8 gallons in the tank it was almost empty.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jul 1978 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon, Canada?

While flying at 300 feet, the engine stopped due to lack of fuel. The pilot switched to another tank but lacked time to restart. The airplane crashed on a wooded hillside. The pilot was slightly injured and the aircraft was written off.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Jul 1978 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jul 1978 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration C-FTEB, operated by La Sarre Air Services, at Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It was determined that although the fuel gauge showed 8 gallons in the tank it was almost empty.

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