Casualties unknown

2003-12-02: Cessna 310-H (N815M) — Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City, OK, US

On December 2, 2003, a Cessna 310-H (registration N815M) was involved in an aviation accident near Oklahoma City, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reported that he was distracted by weather and communications with Oklahoma City Approach Control, and forgot to switch tanks. 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

A pilot with 1,800 hours lost power in both engines while on final approach to Runway 17. The pilot performed a gear-up landing in a field about two miles north of the destination. Investigation revealed fuel selectors in auxiliary position with empty auxiliary tanks and partially full main tanks. The pilot cited distraction from weather and ATC communications.

Flight Sequence

A pilot with 1,800 hours of flight time reported that while on final approach to Runway 17 at an altitude of 2,500 feet MSL, the left engine lost power. Approximately ten seconds later, the right engine also lost power. The pilot then landed the airplane in a field with the landing gear retracted. The field was located about two miles north of the intended destination.

Fuel System Inspection

After landing, a visual inspection revealed that the main fuel tanks were between one-third and one-half full. The auxiliary fuel tanks were empty. The fuel selector valves for both engines were found in the auxiliary tank position.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that he was distracted by weather and communications with Oklahoma City Approach Control, and forgot to switch the fuel tank selection from the auxiliary to the main tanks during the approach. The pilot reported a total flight experience of 1,800 hours.

Probable cause

The pilot reported that he was distracted by weather and communications with Oklahoma City Approach Control, and forgot to switch tanks.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040210X00179. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.