What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1983-06-20 involved a Cessna 337B, registration N5479S, at Dayton, OR.

Steep Letdown Demonstration Ends in Crash After Engine Failure (N5479S)

On June 20, 1983, a Cessna 337B (registration N5479S) was involved in an aviation accident near Dayton, OR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a steep letdown demonstration, both engines lost power due to fuel starvation from auxiliary tanks. The pilot leveled off at 1,200 ft MSL, but the rear engine had no power and the front engine quit. While attempting a restart, the aircraft stalled and crashed.

Maneuver

The pilot was demonstrating a 'steep letdown' to a passenger from approximately 3,200 feet mean sea level (MSL). The descent was performed with full flaps, landing gear extended, and both engines at idle (power off).

Engine Failure

Upon reaching about 1,200 feet MSL, the pilot leveled off and added power. The rear engine produced no power, and the front engine sputtered and then quit. Both engines had been drawing fuel from the auxiliary fuel tanks during the descent.

Restart Attempt and Stall

The pilot attempted to restart the front engine. During this attempt, the aircraft stalled and subsequently crashed.

Fuel System Examination

Post-accident examination revealed no fuel in the left auxiliary fuel tank. The right auxiliary tank contained approximately 2.5 gallons of fuel. The auxiliary tank fuel pick-ups are located at the rear of the tanks.

1983-06-20: Cessna 337B (N5479S) — Dayton, OR