Accident Overview
On August 30, 2008, about 1600 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped Cessna 206 airplane, registration N4886U, experienced a forced landing approximately 62 miles southeast of Galena, Alaska. The solo private pilot sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft incurred substantial damage. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane had departed Wasilla Lake Sea Plane Base, Wasilla, Alaska, around 1300, en route to Kiana, Alaska.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
According to the pilot’s report, while cruising in level flight, the engine began to run rough and lose power. The pilot observed fuel pressure fluctuations and switched fuel tanks in an attempt to restore power. The roughness briefly improved, but then a strong fuel odor entered the cockpit, followed by a complete loss of engine power. Unable to restart the engine, the pilot selected a marshy, tree-covered area for the forced landing. During the touchdown, the airplane collided with trees, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
Post-Accident Examination
On September 2, 2008, an FAA airworthiness inspector examined the recovered airplane at Big Lake Airport, Big Lake, Alaska. The inspector discovered that the main fuel line connecting the engine-driven fuel pump to the main fuel servo assembly was disconnected. There was no visible impact damage to the line or its connector. A review of the aircraft’s maintenance records revealed that a maintenance technician had removed the fuel line approximately 1.9 flight hours before the accident. In a follow-up interview, the technician stated that he could not specifically recall tightening the fuel line fitting after reinstallation and presumed he had not.