Pilot Debrief

CESSNA TU206 near Ninnekah, OK — 2010-03-14

Final reportCEN10LA159
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Date
2010-03-14
Location
Ninnekah, OK, USA
Airport
O14
Aircraft
CESSNA TU206
Registration
N4974F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, resulting from the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after departure and on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine lost power. The pilot tried to make a forced landing on the runway, but the airplane collided with terrain short of the runway. During the impact the airplane struck a berm and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, vertical fin, rudder, and both wings. According to the passengers, the purpose of the flight was to obtain fuel from another airport, and, during takeoff, the fuel gauges appeared to indicate empty. The pilot did not perform a preflight inspection; he told the passengers that he had enough fuel for the 5-minute flight. A postaccident examination of the engine and related systems revealed no preimpact anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not perform preflight inspection or check fuel levels adequately.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 14 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents14

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