Cessna 208B N108RF accident near Campbellton, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s fuel mismanagement, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and subsequent impact with trees during a forced landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that after about 3 hours of total flight time, he proceeded to a nearby airport for fuel. During the descent, the “left fuel low” light illuminated and, shortly thereafter, the “reservoir fuel low” light illuminated. The pilot ensured the fuel tanks, fuel pump, and igniters were on, and he diverted to a nearby private strip. Soon after, the airplane’s engine began to lose power. The pilot increased the throttle, but the engine lost total power. The airplane descended rapidly and struck several trees before touching down on an upsloping field short of the runway. The pilot reported after the accident that he last refueled the airplane the day before the accident at Ozona Municipal Airport (OZA). He then flew the airplane a little over 1 hour to the departure airport to prepare for the accident flight. When asked if the airplane ran out of fuel, the pilot replied “no, I should have had more fuel.”

During an on-scene examination, the airplane’s electrical system was turned on and the “LT fuel low,” “RT fuel low,” and “reservoir fuel low” lights were all illuminated. In addition, the left and right fuel gauges indicated “empty.” Both the left and right fuel tanks were sumped, and no fuel was noted. About 2 cups of fuel were drained from the reservoir fuel tank, and a couple ounces of fuel were drained from the fuel strainer. Fuel was later added to the fuel tanks and the engine started and operated normally.

The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA134 for the full record.