A small single-engine Cessna 170 made an emergency landing on a beach in Falmouth, Massachusetts, Thursday afternoon after running out of fuel. The incident occurred on the southern end of Black Beach off Drift Road in West Falmouth, with reports placing the landing around 2:20 p.m. and others noting about 2:30 p.m. The aircraft had departed Falmouth, flown to Northampton Airport in Northampton, Massachusetts, and was on its return trip to Falmouth when it landed on the beach, according to Falmouth police.
There were no injuries or damage reported. The beach was clear of beachgoers at the time, and low tide helped facilitate the landing. The pilot, who was the only person aboard, told authorities that headwinds significantly increased fuel consumption. The plane was en route from Western Massachusetts to the Falmouth Airpark in East Falmouth.
The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the incident, and Falmouth Fire-Rescue responded to the scene. This event underscores the importance of careful fuel planning and wind consideration for small aircraft.
Summary: A Cessna 170 landed safely on Black Beach in West Falmouth after running out of fuel during a return flight from Northampton, with no injuries or damage reported and an FAA investigation forthcoming. Positive note: authorities reported none of the beachgoers were affected, and the pilot walked away unharmed.