Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 208 near Mesquite, NV — 2011-12-17

Final reportWPR12CA069
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Date
2011-12-17
Location
Mesquite, NV, USA
Airport
K67L
Aircraft
CESSNA 208
Registration
N275PM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper preflight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

Prior to the flight, the pilot fueled the airplane with 16 gallons of jet fuel. He planned to make two local flights carrying skydivers aloft. During the second skydiving flight, he delayed releasing the skydivers due to traffic in the area. As he turned the airplane back toward the drop zone, the airplane's engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot signaled the skydivers to exit the airplane, feathered the propeller, and executed a forced landing to the runway. The airplane landed long, went off the end of the runway, across a road, and finally came to rest on a golf course. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. He also stated that the cause of the loss of engine power was poor fuel management and fuel exhaustion.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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