Pilot Debrief

Cessna TU206 near Tusayan, AZ — 2020-08-28

Final reportWPR20LA291
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Date
2020-08-28
Location
Tusayan, AZ, USA
Airport
KGCN
Aircraft
Cessna TU206
Registration
N3422L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of contamination in the airplane’s fuel system.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while abeam the runway numbers on a left downwind in preparation to land after performing a skydiving drop, the engine lost power and then totally quit. The pilot performed a forced landing to a two-lane highway. While maneuvering to land, the airplane collided with a light pole and came to rest inverted, substantially damaging the airplane. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed water- and debris-contaminated fuel in the airframe fuel filter bowl and water-contaminated fuel in the fuel manifold and fuel pump. Also, the fuel inlet screen was mostly clogged with what appeared to be dirt and corrosion. The engine most likely lost power due to fuel contamination, as the fuel filter, fuel manifold, and fuel pump all tested positive for water.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel quality before descent.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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