Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182 near Kankakee, IL — 2016-06-26

Final reportCEN16LA235
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Date
2016-06-26
Location
Kankakee, IL, USA
Airport
IKK
Aircraft
CESSNA 182
Registration
N5792B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

Aa total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from the low level of fuel unporting during a rapid spiraling descent.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot reported that, after dropping off skydivers, he made a rapid spiraling descent back to the airport. The pilot added that, because the wind had changed such that it resulted in a tailwind, he initiated a go-around during the landing approach; however, when he advanced the throttle, the engine initially surged and then lost power. The pilot made a forced landing in a corn field near the end of the runway. After the accident, the pilot drained about 7 gallons of fuel from the airplane. Fuel was present in the carburetor, but the gascolator bowl was empty. No other anomalies were noted. It is likely that the low level of fuel unported during the rapid spiraling descent, which led to the subsequent fuel starvation to the engine.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured adequate fuel before initiating the go-around.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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