On February 10, 1993, a Cessna 337D (registration N861CP) operated by Plateau Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Nashville, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ENSURE AN ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY FOR THE FLIGHT, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot cancelled an IFR flight plan and conducted a visual approach to runway 19 at night in VMC. The aircraft crashed into a hill about 110 feet short of the runway threshold. Both propellers were feathered, and only about 4 gallons of fuel were recovered from the fuel system with no evidence of leakage.
Accident Overview
A commercial pilot cancelled an IFR flight plan and proceeded visually to land on runway 19. Night visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time. The aircraft crashed into a hill located approximately 110 feet short of the runway threshold.
Flight Details
The pilot reported departing Orlando, Florida, with 5 hours of fuel onboard, equivalent to 96 gallons. The accident occurred about 3 hours and 40 minutes into the flight. The pilot did not remember the accident due to head injuries sustained.
Wreckage and Fuel Examination
Inspection of the wreckage revealed that both front and rear engine propellers were feathered. Approximately 4 gallons of fuel were recovered from the entire fuel system. This included 3 gallons from the left auxiliary tank, 2 ounces from the left main tank, and 20 ounces from the right main tank. There was no evidence of pre- or post-crash fuel leakage.