Do Planes Still Crash from Running Out of Fuel?
Running out of fuel is one of the rarest reasons for modern commercial airline accidents, according to experts. While such incidents are extremely uncommon, several notable cases over the years have highlighted the critical importance of proper fuel management and communication in aviation.
Historical Case Studies
One of the most notorious incidents was AVIANCA Flight 52 in 1990. This Boeing 707 crashed at JFK International Airport in New York, killing 73 of the 158 people aboard. The aircraft had flown in a holding pattern for 77 minutes while awaiting landing clearance, running out of fuel in the process. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) attributed the crash to the failure of the flight crew to manage the aircraft’s fuel load and the airline’s lack of communication with ground controllers regarding the urgent situation.
Another notable incident is United Airlines Flight 173 in 2021, where a Boeing 777-200ER ran out of fuel and landed safely at Yellow Knife Airport in Canada. Similarly, Air Transat Flight 236 in 2001 and Air Canada Flight 143 in 1983 also faced similar situations.
The Air Canada Flight 143 Incident: The Gimli Glider
The most famous among these cases is Air Canada Flight 143, the "Gimli Glider," which was safely landed using only natural lift, without any engine power. This incident is a prime example of how good aeronautical knowledge and quick thinking can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
On July 23, 1983, a brand new Boeing 767-233 left Montreal with a full load of passengers heading to Edmonton. Initially, everything seemed to be running smoothly. However, shortly after takeoff, the crew received multiple low fuel pressure warnings, indicating that one of the fuel pumps had failed. The captain and first officer, unaware of the seriousness of the situation, believed they had a reserve of 1,000 pounds of fuel, which should be enough for the journey.
As they approached Winnipeg, the warnings continued, and the crew began planning a emergency landing. Then, to their horror, one engine failed, followed by the second, leaving the aircraft as a glider without remaining power. Fortunately, the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) provided some controlled flight.
With no radio contact and the ATC losing track of the plane, the first officer suggested landing in Gimli, a motoring circuit only 20 miles from Winnipeg. The flight crew faced a critical challenge: how to land a 767 at 26,000 feet, traveling too fast and too slow for landing while maintaining balance and going into a side slip.
The captain made a risky 60° turn, and the plane's nose plundered into the ground with full force. The tires screeched, the engines churned, and plenty of smoke was released, but the crew managed to land under emergency conditions, saving all 69 passengers on board.
Lessons Learned and Modern Practices
These incidents underscore the critical nature of fuel management and communication in aviation. Since the infamous Avianca Flight 52 incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented stricter flight planning and communication requirements for foreign carriers operating in the U.S., ensuring better adherence to safety protocols.
The Gimli Glider incident forced aviation authorities to rethink emergency procedures and the need for real-time fuel monitoring. Today, airlines use advanced fuel management systems and digital tools to monitor fuel levels more accurately and communicate any discrepancies immediately.
This case also highlighted the importance of pilot training and quick thinking in dangerous situations, where standard procedures may need modification to ensure a safe landing.
Keywords: fuel exhaustion, plane crash, aviation safety.