Pilot Debrief

CESSNA P206 near Key West, FL — 2015-01-03

Final reportERA15LA090
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Date
2015-01-03
Location
Key West, FL, USA
Airport
EYW
Aircraft
CESSNA P206
Registration
N2534X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examinations and testing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane was about 300 ft above the ground and on final approach when the engine "quit suddenly with no surging or other warning signs." He selected the auxiliary fuel pump to the high position and switched fuel tanks. The pilot stated that the engine "came back to life momentarily and then quit again." The airplane was unable to reach the runway, and the pilot made a forced landing in a lagoon about 1/4 mile short of the runway, during which the right wing sustained structural damage. Examination of the fuel system revealed that the right fuel tank was full and that the left fuel tank had 15 gallons of fuel remaining. Evidence of fuel was also noted in the lines from the fuel tanks to the fuel manifold valve. Internal engine continuity was confirmed, and compression and suction were observed on all of the cylinders. The spark plug electrodes were normal in appearance. The engine-driven fuel pump and magnetos were tested, and no evidence of a preexisting malfunction was found. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel selector before approach to ensure fuel supply.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents21

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