Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 210-5 near Lake Wales, FL — 2012-03-31

Final reportERA12LA261
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Date
2012-03-31
Location
Lake Wales, FL, USA
Airport
X25
Aircraft
CESSNA 210-5
Registration
N224AL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight preparation and fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot said that he normally flew the airplane with the fuel selector positioned to the right main fuel tank during skydiving operations. However, on the day of the accident, maintenance was performed on the airplane, and three engine run-ups were performed using the left main fuel tank. The pilot ferried the airplane back to its home base uneventfully with the left main fuel tank selected. Before the accident flight, the pilot verified that there was adequate fuel in the right main fuel tank; however, he did not reposition the fuel selector to the right main fuel tank. During climb, about 800 feet above ground level, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot was unable to restart the engine and performed a forced landing. Subsequent examination revealed that the airplane’s right main fuel tank had been compromised and was leaking fuel, whereas the left main fuel tank was intact and devoid of fuel. Additionally, data downloaded from the airplane's engine monitor revealed that the engine power loss was preceded by a loss of fuel flow. Postaccident examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not check fuel in left tank or reposition selector before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • FDR / data
  • Photos
  • 12 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents12

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