Rockwell International AC 690A N4PZ accident near Bullhead City, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper fuel planning for a cross-country flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power and subsequent impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while enroute, a low fuel level annunciation occurred. The pilot subsequently prepared to divert to a nearby airport due to low fuel. Within 2 minutes the left engine shut down, followed by the right. The pilot asked air traffic control for vectors to the nearest airport. The sky conditions were clear with no moon, no horizon and no terrain feature visible. While approaching the airport at approximately 2,000 feet above the runway, the airport runway lighting turned off. The pilot was unable to turn the lights back on and subsequently used the terminal and ramp lights to maneuver the airplane to the runway. The airplane touched down and veered off the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported to a first responder that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and that he ran out of gas.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA125 for the full record.