Gear-up forced landing following dual engine power loss

Casualties unknown • Del City, TX, US

A pilot was forced to perform a gear-up landing in high desert terrain after experiencing power loss in both engines due to fuel issues.

What happened

While flying at 11,000 feet, the left engine of the aircraft lost power during an attempt by the pilot to switch the fuel selector from the left main tank to the left auxiliary tank. Following the loss of power, the pilot performed troubleshooting according to the onboard checklist but was unable to restart the left engine. Additionally, the pilot was unable to feather the left propeller during securing procedures.

As the flight continued, the pilot utilized all remaining fuel from the right tip tank, the left tip tank, and the right auxiliary tank. During the descent for landing, the right engine also lost power due to fuel starvation. The pilot subsequently initiated a forced landing, resulting in the aircraft impacting high desert terrain in a gear-up configuration. The pilot was not injured.

Upon completing the landing, the pilot moved the right engine's fuel selector to the off position as a precaution against fire.

Probable cause

The loss of power in the left engine occurred during a fuel selector switch, followed by fuel starvation in the right engine after all available fuel in the tip and auxiliary tanks was depleted.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-07-08 Cessna 402A accident near Del City, TX?

A pilot was forced to perform a gear-up landing in high desert terrain after experiencing power loss in both engines due to fuel issues.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-07-08 involved a Cessna 402A, registration N402NA, operated by Saber Cargo Airlines, Inc., at Del City, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of power in the left engine occurred during a fuel selector switch, followed by fuel starvation in the right engine after all available fuel in the tip and auxiliary tanks was depleted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21460. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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