Pilot Debrief

CESSNA TP206B near Sturgeon Bay, WI — 2013-06-01

Final reportCEN13LA330
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Date
2013-06-01
Location
Sturgeon Bay, WI, USA
Airport
SUE
Aircraft
CESSNA TP206B
Registration
N3350J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper reselection of the left fuel tank, which had an obstructed vent system and resulted in a total loss of engine power during the approach for landing.

NTSB narrative

The airplane experienced a total loss of engine power during a skydiving flight. After the pilot switched the fuel tank selector from the left fuel tank to the right fuel tank position, the engine restarted. The pilot continued the flight. While returning to the departure airport and preparing for landing, the pilot switched the fuel tank selector back to the left fuel tank position because the fuel gauge indicated a greater fuel quantity. About 1 minute later, the engine quit. The pilot landed the airplane left of the intended runway, about 200 feet from its end, and the airplane flipped over and pivoted on its nose. Examination of the airplane revealed that the left fuel tank vent system was obstructed with an unknown substance. It is likely that the obstruction prevented fuel flow to the engine and resulted in a total loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have verified fuel system operation before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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