Cessna TU206 N126KT

Summary

On 30 June 1999 at about 00:30 local time, a Cessna TU206 registered N126KT, operated by K2 Adventures, Inc., was involved in an accident near Talkeetna, Alaska, United States. 5 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

30 June 1999 at 00:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Talkeetna, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

62.4497, -149.7905

Aircraft

Cessna TU206

Registration

N126KT

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

K2 Adventures, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC99LA083

Nobody was injured.

The pilot not following emergency procedures, and improper use of the electric fuel boost pump, while attempting to restart the engine in flight. A factor associated with this accident was the inadequate fuel consumption calculations by the pilot.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

In cruise flight, about 2,000 feet above ground level, the pilot noticed fuel flow fluctuations, followed by a total loss of engine power. He switched fuel tanks, and placed the mixture control to the FULL RICH position. The pilot kept the electric fuel pump activated, alternately placing the fuel boost pump switch in the HIGH position, and then the LOW position. The pilot described the engine as alternately running for a few seconds, then losing power. He determined the airplane would not reach the airport, so he performed a forced landing on an off airport gravel bar. Postaccident inspection revealed the right fuel tank was empty, and the left fuel tank contained about 25 gallons of fuel. The engine was started and operated normally. The Cessna U206 pilot operating manual states: 'To ensure a prompt engine restart in-flight after running a fuel tank dry, immediately switch to the tank containing fuel at the first indication of fuel pressure fluctuation and/or power loss. Then place the right half of the auxiliary fuel pump switch in the ON position momentarily (3 to 5 seconds) with the throttle at least 1/2 open. Excessive use of the ON position at high altitude and full rich mixture can cause flooding of the engine as indicated by a short (1 to 2 seconds) period of power followed by a loss of power. This can be detected by a fuel flow indication accompanied by a lack of power. If flooding does occur, turn off the auxiliary fuel pump switch, and normal propeller windmilling should start the engine in 1 to 2 seconds.'

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.