Pilot Debrief

CESSNA T206 near Natchez, MS — 2025-03-27

Final reportCEN25LA165
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Date
2025-03-27
Location
Natchez, MS, USA
Airport
HEZ
Aircraft
CESSNA T206
Registration
N27DV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Maintenance personnel’s improper maintenance, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as the result of a loose fuel line B-nut. Contributing to the accident was an inadequate 100-hour inspection performed after the recent maintenance.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was an inadequate 100-hour inspection performed after the recent maintenance.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported he was about 4 hours and 45 minutes into a survey flight when the engine suddenly lost power. He attempted to troubleshoot and was unable to regain engine power before making an emergency landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that a B-nut was loose on the fuel line at the fuel flow divider. When the electric boost pump was turned on during the examination, fuel flowed freely out of the loose connection. Additionally, multiple discrepancies were noted throughout the engine compartment, including (but not limited to): cylinder base nuts that were loose, a cylinder temperature probe that was hanging by its wire, and grommets that were missing or in disrepair along the fuel and oil lines. Maintenance performed about a week before the accident included the removal and replacement of three cylinders and the completion of a 100-hour inspection. It is possible that the mechanic performing the maintenance removed the fuel line to facilitate the cylinder replacement. Regardless of whether or not the mechanic removed the fuel line, the loose B-nut and other discrepancies found in the engine compartment indicate that the 100-hour inspection completed on the same day as the cylinder replacements was inadequate.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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