Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Sightseeing Flight Linked to Fuel Tank Selection and Checklist Omission (CFHOI)

Haines, AK, US

On July 21, 1994, a Cessna T207A (registration CFHOI) operated by Summit Air Charters Ltd. was involved in an aviation accident near Haines, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL STARVATION AS A RESULT OF THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION AND HIS FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE PROCEDURES CONTAINED IN THE AIRPLANE CHECKLIST FOR ENGINE FAILURE. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A sightseeing flight departed with the right fuel tank selected and one hour of fuel. About 45 minutes later, the engine lost power. The pilot switched to the left tank but did not use the boost pump as per checklist. Post-accident inspections found no engine issues.

Flight Details

A sightseeing flight departed from the airport with the right fuel tank selected. The pilot reported that the fuel endurance in that tank was approximately one hour.

Power Loss

Approximately 45 minutes after departure, the engine lost power without any prior warning. In response, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the left fuel tank. However, the pilot did not activate the fuel boost pump, which was a required step according to the airplane checklist.

Post-Accident Inspection

Following the accident, licensed mechanics performed inspections of the engine. No problems were found with the engine during these inspections.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01648. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.