Vulcanair V1.0 Runs Out of Fuel While Approaching Runway

Two Delaware State University (DSU) students executed an emergency landing after their Vulcainair V1.0 aircraft allegedly ran out of fuel. Though the plane nosed over in the grass, both occupants were uninjured in the incident.

The aircraft, registered N186DS, took off from Delaware Airpark (33N), home of the DSU Aviation Program and its 26 airplanes, at around 9:00 am on February 7. It landed at South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) just before 1:00 pm. After a 6 hour rest, at 6:49 pm, the two students took back off towards 33N.

The pair had flown for more than 3 and a half hours in the return flight with seemingly no issues. Flight data shows that the aircraft was set up for an extended right base for 33N’s Runway 9 and turned final, coming within a mile from the airport before reportedly running out of fuel.

The students, one being a certified flight instructor (CFI), took immediate action and used their training to execute an emergency landing in the grass. The aircraft front-flipped over the nose and came to a stop upside down at 10:32 pm. Both occupants were able to pull themselves from the aircraft with no significant injuries.

Emergency responders transported the two students to local hospitals for evaluation. Both were quickly given the green light to go home and rest.

The aircraft involved is one of 26 owned and operated by the DSU Aviation Program. The university took in its first all-glass Vulcanair V1.0 aircraft, an Italian competitor to the classic C172, in July of 2019 to begin moving out its aging Piper PA-28 trainers. Deliveries are expected to continue through 2027 for a total of up to 20 aircraft.

FMI: www.desu.edu