Beechcraft D18 crash, Jul 18, 1980, Colonia
Beechcraft D18 accident on July 18, 1980 near Colonia, Yap Island, Micronesia with no fatalities. Cause: Both engines failed from fuel exhaustion after...
- Date: July 18, 1980
- Aircraft: Beechcraft D18
- Location: Colonia, Yap Island, Micronesia
- Fatalities: 0
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: Both engines failed from fuel exhaustion after the pilot became lost and disoriented in adverse winds aloft, with winds gusting to 30 knots and weather slightly worse than forecast, leading to a forced landing on water off airport.
On 18 July 1980 a Beechcraft D18S of Pacific Missionary Aviation (N1824D), flying from Woleai Atoll to Yap Island, ran short of fuel after the pilot became lost in marginal weather and strong adverse winds. Both engines failed and the crew ditched about 80 km east of Yap. All seven occupants were rescued, and the aircraft sank.