Casualties unknown

1988-05-24: Cessna 320-F (N73AT) — San Angelo, TX

San Angelo, TX, US

On May 24, 1988, a Cessna 320-F (registration N73AT) was involved in an aviation accident near San Angelo, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A flight instructor noted low fuel during an ILS approach, allowed the right engine to fail due to fuel starvation, then restarted it. During a touch-and-go landing, the aircraft drifted right despite full left rudder. The instructor rotated at 96 mph, experienced left rolling forces, and feathered the left propeller before impacting a lake.

Incident Overview

A dual instruction flight proceeded with a certified flight instructor (CFI) and an airline transport pilot (ATP) receiving instruction in the left seat. During the approach, the CFI noted that the fuel quantity was low with the fuel selectors positioned on the auxiliary fuel tanks.

Fuel and Engine Events

As the flight transitioned to an arc to an ILS approach, the CFI allowed the right engine to fail due to fuel starvation. After the failure, the CFI selected the main fuel tanks and successfully restarted the right engine. The approach continued to a touch-and-go landing, which was performed by the ATP pilot in the left seat.

Touch-and-Go and Drift

As power was added for the touch-and-go, the aircraft began to drift to the right despite the application of full left rudder. The CFI did not abort the takeoff because he believed the swerve was either induced by the left-seat pilot or resulted from asymmetrical power due to mismatched throttle controls.

Takeoff and Impact

Near the right edge of the runway, the CFI took control of the aircraft and rotated. He reported that rotation occurred at 96 miles per hour and that he experienced left rolling forces immediately after becoming airborne. The left-seat pilot reported the speed at rotation to be between 80 and 90 miles per hour. Shortly before impact in a lake, the CFI feathered the left propeller.

Post-Impact Findings

Following the accident, the right engine was test run and operated successfully. The left engine was disassembled and revealed no malfunctions. Examination of the right propeller indicated that little power was being produced at the time of impact. The left-seat pilot stated that there was no formal pre-briefing for the flight and that the fuel system was never explained to him.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25691. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.