On July 25, 2007, a Cessna 182 (registration N6428A) operated by Sky Dive Extreme Divers was involved in an aviation accident near Arecibo, PR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to fuel exhaustion, which resulted in a loss of engine power during climb, and an off-airport forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A commercial pilot with four skydivers experienced an engine power loss during climb. After failed restart, skydivers jumped safely; pilot made forced landing short of runway, hitting trees. Substantial damage reported; fuel found below unusable level.
Accident Summary
A commercial pilot was climbing the airplane with four skydivers aboard when the engine lost power. Unable to restart the engine, the pilot instructed the skydivers to jump. All four skydivers exited the aircraft successfully and were not injured. The pilot then executed a forced landing short of the departure runway, during which the airplane collided with small trees. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
Examination Findings
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical problems. The two fuel tanks were not damaged in the accident. Investigators drained a total of 1.5 gallons of fuel from both tanks combined. According to the airplane's operation manual, the amount of unusable fuel is specified as 2.5 gallons per tank, or a total of 5 gallons. This indicates that the fuel quantity at the time of the accident was below the total unusable fuel amount.
What happened in the 25 Jul 2007 Cessna 182 accident near Arecibo, PR?
A commercial pilot with four skydivers experienced an engine power loss during climb. After failed restart, skydivers jumped safely; pilot made forced landing short of runway, hitting trees. Substantial damage reported; fuel found below unusable level.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jul 2007 Cessna 182 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Jul 2007 involved a Cessna 182, registration N6428A, operated by Sky Dive Extreme Divers, at Arecibo, PR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to fuel exhaustion, which resulted in a loss of engine power during climb, and an off-airport forced landing.
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