Casualties unknown

2002-05-26: Cessna 310N (N588JL) — Larry M. Curtis — Dayton, NV

Dayton, NV, US

On May 26, 2002, a Cessna 310N (registration N588JL) operated by Larry M. Curtis was involved in an aviation accident near Dayton, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to change the fuel selectors to the main fuel tanks, resulting in fuel starvation and dual engine loss. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During final approach, the left engine quit followed by the right engine. The pilot realized he had been using nearly empty auxiliary fuel tanks and had not switched to main tanks. No aircraft malfunctions were reported.

Accident Overview

The aircraft collided with terrain short of the airport after experiencing a dual engine loss of power.

Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that while on final approach to an uncontrolled airport, the left engine ceased operation. He secured the left engine, and shortly thereafter, the right engine also stopped. At that point, the pilot recognized that he was landing on the auxiliary fuel tanks, which were nearly depleted. The aircraft's altitude was too low to attempt an engine restart.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no malfunctions with the aircraft or its engines. He attributed the engine failures to his own failure to change the fuel selectors from the auxiliary tanks to the main fuel tanks. The pilot indicated that the auxiliary fuel tanks were nearly empty at the time of the incident.

Findings

No mechanical or system anomalies were identified. The dual engine loss resulted from fuel starvation caused by the pilot using the auxiliary fuel tanks without switching to the main fuel tanks during the landing approach. The aircraft was unable to reach the airport and struck terrain short of the runway.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to change the fuel selectors to the main fuel tanks, resulting in fuel starvation and dual engine loss.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020530X00780. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.