Casualties unknown

2005-12-29: Cessna P206C (N8640Z) — Florida Skydiving Center — Lake Wales, FL

Lake Wales, FL, US

On December 29, 2005, a Cessna P206C (registration N8640Z) operated by Florida Skydiving Center was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Wales, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power during takeoff-initial climb due to fuel starvation, which resulted in a hard, off-airport forced landing. 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 experienced a sudden engine failure at 400 feet agl after takeoff. Forced landing in industrial park. Examination found fuel in tanks but no fuel in engine fuel lines. Fuel injection components bench-tested with no malfunctions.

Incident

Following takeoff, the engine ceased operation abruptly at an altitude of 400 feet above ground level, according to the pilot. He reported that he immediately pumped the throttle twice and activated the auxiliary fuel pump, but engine power was not restored. A hard forced landing was executed in an industrial park adjacent to the airport.

Postaccident Examination

Postaccident inspection of the airplane indicated approximately 20 gallons of fuel in the left main fuel tank and 7 gallons in the right main fuel tank; no contamination was found. Examination of the engine revealed continuity of the crankshaft, camshaft, and valve train. No discrepancies were noted in the ignition system.

Fuel lines within the engine compartment were examined. No fuel was present in the line from the throttle body fuel control unit to the fuel manifold valve, nor in the line from the mechanical fuel pump to the throttle body fuel control unit. The only fuel line containing fuel was the return line from the throttle body fuel control unit to the mechanical fuel pump.

Bench testing of fuel injection components showed no evidence of failure or malfunction in any of the tested components.

Probable Cause

The investigation did not state a probable cause.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060104X00003. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.