Cessna 207 N23CF accident near Bethel, Alaska

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel starvation and the pilot’s mismanagement of the available fuel.

NTSB analysis

While in cruise flight, the engine experienced a loss of power at 1,000 ft above ground level. The pilot performed the emergency checklist but was unable to restore engine power. He performed a forced landing to an area of ice-covered frozen tundra.

Postaccident examination of the engine and fuel system revealed that the left fuel tank was full, and the right fuel tank was empty. No fuel was present in the fuel lines from the cockpit fuel selector to the engine. During the engine examination, the engine started and ran normally. Other than the absence of fuel, no anomalies were noted with the engine that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane’s fuel selector can only operate in the left or right fuel tank position. The operator’s procedure is to change the selected fuel tank at the midpoint of the flight; however, the pilot indicated after the engine examination that he likely forgot to switch fuel tanks.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC23LA006 for the full record.