17 Dec 2011: CESSNA 208 — Skydive Mesquite

17 Dec 2011: CESSNA 208 — Skydive Mesquite

No fatalities • Mesquite, NV, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's improper preflight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

Prior to the flight, the pilot fueled the airplane with 16 gallons of jet fuel. He planned on making two local flights carrying skydivers aloft. During the second skydiving flight he delayed releasing the skydivers due to traffic in the area. As he turned the plane back towards the drop zone the airplane's engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot signaled the skydivers to exit the airplane, feathered the propeller, and executed an attempted forced landing to the runway. The airplane landed long, went off the end of the runway, across a road, and finally came to rest on a golf course. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. He also stated that the cause of the loss of engine power was poor fuel management and fuel exhaustion.

Contributing factors

  • cause Power plant — Failure
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Fluid level

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 240/04kt, vis 10sm

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