Summary
On August 15, 2013, a Cessna U206 (N2141F) was involved in an accident near Sleetmute, AK. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.
The pilot reported that during a postmaintenance flight, while remaining in the airport traffic pattern, the engine lost all power. The pilot selected an area of tree-covered terrain as a forced landing site, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. He stated that the reason for the loss of engine power was due to fuel starvation, and that he did not verify the position of the fuel selector valve before the flight.
He added that when the airplane recently underwent maintenance, the fuel selector valve handle was positioned to the right fuel tank, which had a slight amount of fuel remaining. The pilot said that he routinely used the left fuel tank, which contained sufficient fuel for the flight.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ANC13CA080. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2141F.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that during a postmaintenance flight, while remaining in the airport traffic pattern, the engine lost all power. The pilot selected an area of tree-covered terrain as a forced landing site, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. He stated that the reason for the loss of engine power was due to fuel starvation, and that he did not verify the position of the fuel selector valve before the flight.
He added that when the airplane recently underwent maintenance, the fuel selector valve handle was positioned to the right fuel tank, which had a slight amount of fuel remaining. The pilot said that he routinely used the left fuel tank, which contained sufficient fuel for the flight.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC13CA080