Cessna TU206G N6169Z

Summary

On 19 March 2011 at about 18:15 local time, a Cessna TU206G registered N6169Z, operated by Civil Air Patrol, was involved in an accident near Puyallup, Washington, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

19 March 2011 at 18:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Puyallup, Washington, United States

Nearest airport

Pierce County Airport - Thun (PLU)

Coordinates

47.1039, -122.2869

Aircraft

Cessna TU206G

Registration

N6169Z

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Civil Air Patrol

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Puyallup → Puyallup

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR11LA168

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilots’ activation of the fuel boost pump while preparing to land, which was contrary to checklist procedures and resulted in a loss of engine power.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The airplane was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern during an instructional flight, and the pilots performed the prelanding checklist, switched the fuel selector to the right tank position, and activated the fuel boost pump. According to the flight instructor, the airplane “began sinking” while on final approach for the runway. When the pilots tried to add engine power, the engine did not respond, and the airplane collided with terrain short of the runway. The manufacturer’s approved checklist for the airplane indicates that the auxiliary fuel boost pump should be in the off position before landing. A representative from the engine manufacturer reported that operating the auxiliary fuel boost pump at a low engine power setting would “flood” the engine and result in a loss of engine power. It is likely that when the pilots applied power, the engine was flooded, which resulted in the total loss of engine power. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded engine operations.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.