Summary
On October 08, 2011, a Cessna T310R (N23BT) was involved in an incident near Hilo, HI. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s improper fuel planning.
During a trans-Pacific ferry flight from California to Hawaii the pilot reported that he lost engine power as a result of fuel exhaustion and ditched in the Pacific Ocean approximately 7 nm Northeast of Hilo, Hawaii. The pilot departed California with approximately 393 gallons of fuel, which he calculated to be approximately 14 hours of fuel endurance. The pilot reported that about 9 hours after takeoff he determined that due to a change in the wind velocity he would not reach his destination. The pilot attempted to extend his range by reducing his fuel consumption, but was unable to make his intended destination. After ditching the pilot exited the airplane and was rescued by the US Coast Guard. The airplane sank shortly after the pilot was rescued.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR12CA004. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N23BT.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s improper fuel planning.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
During a trans-Pacific ferry flight from California to Hawaii the pilot reported that he lost engine power as a result of fuel exhaustion and ditched in the Pacific Ocean approximately 7 nm Northeast of Hilo, Hawaii. The pilot departed California with approximately 393 gallons of fuel, which he calculated to be approximately 14 hours of fuel endurance. The pilot reported that about 9 hours after takeoff he determined that due to a change in the wind velocity he would not reach his destination. The pilot attempted to extend his range by reducing his fuel consumption, but was unable to make his intended destination. After ditching the pilot exited the airplane and was rescued by the US Coast Guard. The airplane sank shortly after the pilot was rescued. The total duration of the flight was approximately 13 hours.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA004