Cessna U206C N29110 accident near Gulkana, Alaska

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while on short final, the engine lost all power. The pilot switched fuel tanks and activated the fuel boost pump; however, engine power was not restored. The airplane subsequently touched down about 100 ft short of the runway approach threshold and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and vertical stabilizer. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left fuel tank was empty, and the right fuel tank was full; no anomalies were discovered with the fuel selector. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The operator stated that the accident could have been prevented with the proper use of the prelanding checklist.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA078 for the full record.