Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Fuel Accidents The number one cause of engine failure is lack of fuel. 10% of General Aviation accidents are caused by fuel related mistakes. 50% of all fuel related accidents occur within ONE mile of the destination airport. Half of all forced landings are causes by air pollution of fuel tanks. Just keeping fuel in the tanks would prevent half of the forced landings. Fuel contamination causes 10% of forced landings. In most instances of fuel related accidents the pilot has elected to fly right past refueling points. Common cause of engine failure is air contamination in the fuel tank. 1 in 7 accidents due to fuel mismanagement. Multiply horsepower by .09 to give gallons per hour consumption with safety factor. The mortality rate of fuel related accidents is quite low. Probably because pilot is aware of his problem and has been doing ....some serious 'what if' planning. Low wing aircraft have twice as many fuel related engine failures as do high wing aircraft. An airplane may be too heavy to safely or legally land. The gear may be able to withstand the stress of takeoff. This is why ....some aircraft are made capable of jettisoning fuel prior to landing. It is possible to have too much fuel on a flight. (When you're on fire.) Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM