On April 2, 1996, a Cessna U206G (registration N9625R) operated by Herbert R. Styles was involved in an aviation accident near Old Bridge, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fuel contamination, due to improper servicing of the aircraft, which resulted in fuel starvation, loss of engine power, a forced landing, and collision with a tree. The strong surface wind was a related factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A turbine-powered Cessna 206 lost engine power during cruise. The pilot did not attempt a restart and conducted a forced landing, but strong surface winds prevented reaching an airport, resulting in a tree strike. Investigation revealed fuel contamination from old fuel and an inoperative bypass light switch.
Accident Sequence
A turbine-powered Cessna 206 was cruising at 7,500 feet when the engine lost power. The engine was not equipped with an auto ignition system, and the pilot did not attempt to restart the engine. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane arrived over an airport at 2,000 feet above ground level (AGL). However, after turning downwind and then final, the pilot was unable to reach the airport due to strong surface winds. The pilot attempted to reach an open field, but the airplane struck a tree.
Investigation Findings
The airframe fuel filter was found in the bypass configuration with a clogged filter element and visible contaminants in the fuel. Examination of the contaminated fuel revealed a higher than normal gum content. The fuel downstream of the engine filter was clean with no visible contamination. Further investigation determined that the airplane had been purchased for salvage by the operator after it was involved in a previous accident. Turbine fuel was not available at the airport where the airplane had been stored. The airplane had been refueled with turbine fuel removed from the wings of other airplanes stored at the facility. The contamination was attributed to old fuel. Additionally, a check of the fuel filter disclosed an inoperative electrical switch, which prevented the fuel filter bypass light from illuminating.
What happened in the 2 Apr 1996 Cessna U206G accident near Old Bridge, NJ?
A turbine-powered Cessna 206 lost engine power during cruise. The pilot did not attempt a restart and conducted a forced landing, but strong surface winds prevented reaching an airport, resulting in a tree strike. Investigation revealed fuel contamination from old fuel and an inoperative bypass light switch.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Apr 1996 involved a Cessna U206G, registration N9625R, operated by Herbert R. Styles, at Old Bridge, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
fuel contamination, due to improper servicing of the aircraft, which resulted in fuel starvation, loss of engine power, a forced landing, and collision with a tree. The strong surface wind was a related factor.
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