Cessna U206E N2272X

Summary

On 13 August 2014 at about 14:30 local time, a Cessna U206E registered N2272X, operated by Southern Seaplane Inc., was involved in an accident near Braithwaite, Louisiana, United States. 4 people were on board and 3 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

13 August 2014 at 14:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Braithwaite, Louisiana, United States

Coordinates

29.8436, -89.9794

Aircraft

Cessna U206E

Registration

N2272X

Category

Airplane

Year built

1970

Engines

1

Operator

Southern Seaplane Inc.

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Belle Chasse → Belle Chasse

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN14LA425

3 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and the subsequent forced landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the flight was uneventful until the engine began running roughly as he maneuvered the airplane toward the intended destination. The pilot added that he immediately identified that the right fuel tank was likely running low on fuel; however, as he changed the fuel selector positions, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. Due to the airplane's low altitude, about 500 ft above the ground, the pilot decided to make an immediate forced landing to a nearby road; however, as he approached the road, he saw an approaching vehicle, and, in response, he attempted to land before reaching the road. During the forced landing, the airplane collided with a power line that the pilot reported he never saw. The pilot stated that he had departed with 70 gallons of fuel that was evenly distributed between both wing fuel tanks. Additionally, he stated that the airplane had been drawing fuel from the right fuel tank for the entire flight, which was 2 hours 15 minutes long, and that he did not switch fuel tanks until the engine began running roughly. The pilot added that the total loss of engine power was due to his mismanagement of the fuel system, which resulted in fuel starvation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.