Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot was participating in a cantaloupe bombing run being conducted in conjunction with a local fly-in. The pilot reported that he performed a preflight inspection of the airplane and then proceeded to take off. He added that, after turning onto the base leg of the traffic pattern, the engine lost power and that he subsequently landed the airplane short of the airport in mesquite trees.
Examination of the airplane revealed that the tanks contained no fuel, and no fuel could be drained from either wing or the fuselage sump drains. The fuel tanks and lines were not compromised. Based on the evidence, it is likely that the pilot did not ensure that adequate fuel was onboard the airplane during the preflight inspection, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15LA366 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pecos, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Pecos Muni (PEQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 206
- N-number
- N5033U
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1963
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.