On July 13, 1979, a Douglas DC-3 (registration N21782) operated by M. J. Supply Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Belle Glade, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of both engines in flight due to fuel exhaustion, with contributing factors including inadequate preflight preparation, mismanagement of fuel, miscalculated fuel consumption, fuel exhaustion, improper alignment/adjustment of the fuel quantity gauge,… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A flight from Saint Louis to Boca Raton experienced dual engine failure, leading to an emergency landing near Belle Glade. The aircraft struck vegetation and crashed; both pilots suffered minor injuries. Investigation attributed the failure to fuel exhaustion.
Incident Details
An aircraft en route from Saint Louis, Missouri, to Boca Raton, Florida, experienced a failure of both engines during flight. The crew declared an emergency, reduced altitude, and attempted an emergency landing near Belle Glade, Florida.
Accident Sequence
After touchdown, the aircraft struck high vegetation, nosed down, and crashed. Both pilots escaped with minor injuries. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the failure of both engines in flight due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors included:
Inadequate preflight preparation
Mismanagement of fuel
Miscalculated fuel consumption
Fuel exhaustion
Improper alignment/adjustment of the fuel quantity gauge