On March 14, 1986, a Cessna 401 (registration N9867F) operated by Flying A Flight Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Silver City, NM. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew's failure to switch the fuel tank selectors from the main tanks to the auxiliary tanks, which led to fuel starvation and loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Two rated pilots returning from a Part 135 flight at night experienced fuel starvation due to incorrect tank selection, leading to engine failure and impact.
What happened
The two rated pilots were operating a flight under Part 135 regulations during nighttime conditions. During the return portion of the mission, the aircraft was flying at low altitude when an issue with the fuel system occurred. The crew had inadvertently left the fuel tank selectors in the main position rather than switching them to the auxiliary tanks as required.
This configuration error resulted in fuel starvation for the engines. Because the aircraft was already at a low altitude, there was insufficient height remaining to successfully restart the engines after they flamed out. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground. A post-accident fire erupted upon impact, which completely destroyed the aircraft.
Probable cause
The crew's failure to switch the fuel tank selectors from the main tanks to the auxiliary tanks, which led to fuel starvation and loss of engine power.
What happened in the 14 Mar 1986 Cessna 401 accident near Silver City, NM?
Two rated pilots returning from a Part 135 flight at night experienced fuel starvation due to incorrect tank selection, leading to engine failure and impact.
Were there any fatalities in the 14 Mar 1986 Cessna 401 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Mar 1986 involved a Cessna 401, registration N9867F, operated by Flying A Flight Service, Inc., at Silver City, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The crew's failure to switch the fuel tank selectors from the main tanks to the auxiliary tanks, which led to fuel starvation and loss of engine power.
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