# NTSB LAX85LA257: Cessna T303, N4661V, Mesa, AZ, May 14, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 13, 1985, 19:43 local (May 14, 1985, 02:43 UTC)
- Place: Mesa, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.430126, -111.709953 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4301&lon=-111.7100&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24727
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA257
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24727/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA257

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - open field (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PLT TOOK OFF FROM SCOTTSDALE AT 1934 MST FOR A 13 NM FLT TO REPOSITION THE ACFT TO HOME BASE. WITHIN MINUTES THE PLT ADVISED ATC THAT HE WAS 6 MI OUT WITH MINIMUM FUEL AND REQUESTED NO DELAY. HE THEN ASKED FOR CLEARANCE TO RWY 22R AND WAS CLEARED TO LAND ON RWY 22R, AT 1943 MST THE PLT ADVISED THE TWR THAT HE WAS NOT GOING TO MAKE THE RWY. BOTH ENGS HAD STOPPED DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION AND THE PLT MADE A FORCED LANDING 1/4 MILE FROM THE APCH END OF RWY 22R IN A LEVEL DIRT AREA. THE PLT REPORTED THE ACFT CONTAINED 120 LBS OF FUEL UPON DEPARTURE FROM SCOTTSDALE AND NO LOW FUEL WARNING WAS RECEIVED. THE PLT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK STATES THE LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT SHOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THERE IS LESS THAN 60 GALLONS OF FUEL IN EITHER TANK OR WHEN THERE IS LESS THAN 120 GALLONS TOTAL FUEL ON BOARD. THE MANUAL ALSO STATED THE ACFT BURNS 170 GPH AT 70 PERCENT POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4661V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4661V-2013-03-18), registration cancelled 2013-03-18, S/N T30300276, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA T303
- Registry model: [Cessna T303](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-t303) (registry code 2073820) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-520-series) (registry code 17040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: T30300276
- Airframe hours: 59
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-AE 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Registered owner: Superstition Air Service
- Last inspection: Annual, December 1, 1984, 59 hours before
- Departed: SDL, SCOTTSDALE, AZ
- Destination: FFZ, MESA, AZ
- Airport: FFZ, Falcon Fld., runway 22R, 3,800 × 75 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,665 total, 32 in this make and model, 45 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 210° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FFZ, 1 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850513023979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850513023979A), May 13, 1985: Cessna T303, Mesa, AZ, Destroyed. Landed short of runway. Fuel exhaustion on 13 mile flight. Claimed low fuel lights did not work.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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