Pilot Debrief

CESSNA P206B near Spring Branch, TX — 2010-05-17

Final reportCEN10LA256
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Date
2010-05-17
Location
Spring Branch, TX, USA
Airport
1T7
Aircraft
CESSNA P206B
Registration
N50LP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and passenger were returning to the airport after performing a maintenance test flight. While descending through 2,500 feet mean sea level, the airplane's engine abruptly lost total power. The pilot switched fuel tanks and attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. He then selected an open area and performed a forced landing. During the landing the airplane impacted terrain resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and wing spar. During recovery of the airplane, the recovery crew drained approximately 10 gallons from the right fuel tank and found the left fuel tank empty. An examination of the airplane's fuel system revealed debris partially obstructing the filter of the fuel mixture unit. No other filters contained this debris and the source of the debris could not be determined. The fuel lines were opened and absent of fuel from the auxiliary fuel pump to the fuel manifold. Fuel was observed within the fuel manifold.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before flight to prevent power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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