N1ZR

Substantial
None

Cessna T337S/N: P3370275

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, November 8, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA19CA070
Location
Homosassa, FL
Event ID
20181108X40245
Coordinates
28.753334, -82.647224
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of power in both engines.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
P3370275
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1977
Model / ICAO
T337C337
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
2
Seats
6
FAA Model
T337G

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BIO MASS LLC
Address
1001 S MAIN ST STE 49
City
KALISPELL
State / Zip Code
MT 59901-5635
Country
United States

Analysis

The solo, single engine rated pilot reported that, two days prior to the accident flight, the multi-engine airplane's fuel tanks were filled (123 gallons). During the taxi to the runway, the right main tire went flat. During recovery, the right main tire was placed on a dolly to move the airplane. The airplane fuel system was such that when one side of the airplane was raised, the fuel can transfer to the opposite tank which then forced fuel to be released out of the overflow vent.

The day of the accident, the pilot completed his preflight and confirmed the fuel quantity visually by checking both fuel gauges "green". While en-route, after about three-hours into the flight and about 17 miles from starting the approach to the destination airport, the rear engine lost power. Before attempting a restart, after verifying the correct engine to feather, the front engine also lost power. Unable to make the nearest airport, the pilot landed the airplane in a grass marsh with the landing gear retracted. During the landing, the airplane veered right about 90°, and the left wing impacted the terrain.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left aileron and empennage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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# GAA19CA070