On June 5, 1988, a Cessna TU206B (registration N4757F) operated by Lecander, Robert L. was involved in an aviation accident near Ellsworth, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's action of rocking the wings, which may have introduced air into the fuel lines, resulting in fuel starvation and engine failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise, pilot experienced engine failure believed due to fuel exhaustion and performed forced landing in unsuitable terrain. Post-accident inspection showed 23 gallons in left tank; both fuel gauges read empty. Pilot stated rocking wings may have introduced air into fuel lines.
Event Description
During a cruise flight, the pilot experienced an engine failure which he attributed to fuel exhaustion. In response, he executed a forced landing in unsuitable terrain. The circumstances leading to the failure involved the pilot's attempt to address non-indicating fuel gauges.
Post-Accident Findings
A post-accident inspection revealed that the left fuel tank contained 23 gallons of fuel at the time of the accident, despite both fuel gauges indicating empty. No preflight inspection of the fuel quantity was conducted by the pilot.
Pilot Statement
After the accident, the pilot stated that he may have allowed air to enter the fuel lines when he rocked the wings in an attempt to get the fuel gauges to indicate some fuel quantity. This action may have caused fuel starvation, resulting in the engine failure.
Probable cause
The pilot's action of rocking the wings, which may have introduced air into the fuel lines, resulting in fuel starvation and engine failure.
What happened in the 5 Jun 1988 Cessna TU206B accident near Ellsworth, WI?
During cruise, pilot experienced engine failure believed due to fuel exhaustion and performed forced landing in unsuitable terrain. Post-accident inspection showed 23 gallons in left tank; both fuel gauges read empty. Pilot stated rocking wings may have introduced air into fuel lines.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Jun 1988 involved a Cessna TU206B, registration N4757F, operated by Lecander, Robert L., at Ellsworth, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's action of rocking the wings, which may have introduced air into the fuel lines, resulting in fuel starvation and engine failure.
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