On August 14, 1993, a Cessna 185 (registration N20752) operated by Cape Smythe Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Point Barrow, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL EXHAUSTION AS A RESULT OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S NOT REFUELING. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE OPERATOR/MANAGEMENT INADEQUATE FLIGHT FOLLOWING AND OPERATIONAL CONTROL OVER THE FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A commercial pilot experienced total power loss due to fuel exhaustion after an abrupt climb on a positioning flight, landing on tundra. Post-accident examination found no anomalies in the engine or fuel system; only residual fuel remained.
Incident Overview
A commercial pilot on a positioning flight experienced a total power loss due to fuel exhaustion following an abrupt climb maneuver. The pilot subsequently landed the aircraft on the tundra.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the engine and fuel system by FAA inspectors found no anomalies. Only residual fuel was found on board. When the aircraft was leveled, the engine started and ran normally. Fuel spilled under the vent formed an 18-inch puddle in saturated tundra.
Operator Records
The Part 135 operator kept no fuel records or flight following records for the flight.
What happened in the 14 Aug 1993 Cessna 185 accident near Point Barrow, AK?
A commercial pilot experienced total power loss due to fuel exhaustion after an abrupt climb on a positioning flight, landing on tundra. Post-accident examination found no anomalies in the engine or fuel system; only residual fuel remained.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Aug 1993 involved a Cessna 185, registration N20752, operated by Cape Smythe Air Service, at Point Barrow, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FUEL EXHAUSTION AS A RESULT OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S NOT REFUELING. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE OPERATOR/MANAGEMENT INADEQUATE FLIGHT FOLLOWING AND OPERATIONAL CONTROL OVER THE FLIGHT.
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