Cessna TP206A N30WL accident near Maricopa, Arizona

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper fuel management.

NTSB analysis

The pilot and passenger picked up the airplane after maintenance and departed back to their base of operation. A mechanic at the maintenance facility reported that he did not see the pilot and passenger complete a preflight inspection or check the fuel tanks. While on final approach at the destination airport, about 300 ft above the ground, the engine lost total power. The pilot stated that he moved the fuel selector from the left tank to the right tank. The airplane impacted terrain about 1/2 mile short of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.

The operator recovered about 4 and 18 gallons of fuel from the left and right main fuel tanks, respectively. The operator further reported that, during postaccident interviews with the pilot and passenger, neither recounted performing a preflight inspection or verifying fuel levels before departure. Both the pilot and operator reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

According to the pilot’s operating handbook for the airplane, “with ¼ tank or less, prolonged uncoordinated flights, such as slips or skids can uncover fuel tank outlets causing fuel starvation and engine stoppage.” Based on the available information, it is likely that the loss of engine power was due to fuel starvation as a result of the fuel in the left tank unporting during the landing approach. Furthermore, the pilot did not move the fuel selector lever to the fullest tank position before landing, as listed in the pilot operation handbook.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA084 for the full record.