Cessna 336 | N336LV

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot did not plan for enough fuel for the intended night flight, and ran out of gas. He recognized his dilemma very late in the flight by asking for a shortened approach to his destination airport. Prior to reaching his destination, both engines stopped operating due to lack of fuel supply, and the pilot declared an emergency. The pilot then attempted a night dead stick landing into a neighborhood and was killed on impact, his passenger survived.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft avoid night flight where possible, but flight plan to allow a minimum of one hour reserve at destination. The DTSB recommends to the FAA to alter current regulations to require a minimum of one hour reserve for all VFR flights, as opposed to the 30 minute day, 45 minute night reserve fuel rule that is currently in place.