Accident Details
On December 8, 2022, at about 1350 mountain standard time, a Cessna TP206A, registration N30WL, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain short of the runway near Maricopa, Arizona. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Flight Sequence
The flight was a post-maintenance relocation from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA) to Hidden Valley Airport (AZ43). According to the pilot, while on final approach to AZ43, the engine began to sputter. The pilot turned the fuel pump switch on and switched the fuel selector valve from left to right, after which the engine lost power. At about 300 ft above ground level and approximately one nautical mile from the runway, the pilot switched the fuel selector back to the left tank, but the engine did not restart. The airplane subsequently struck terrain short of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.
Maintenance Background
The airframe and powerplant technician who performed the recent maintenance reported that the airplane was brought to the facility on November 11, 2022, due to a leak in the turbocharger system. The component was repaired and reinstalled, and a ground run of the engine was completed without any anomalies. During the ground run, fuel gauges indicated each main tank was about one-quarter full. The airplane was returned to service. On the day of the accident, the pilot arrived to pick up the airplane. The technician did not observe the pilot or passenger visually checking the fuel quantities of each tank. After the accident, the technician visually checked the engine and found no anomalies; rotating the engine showed valvetrain continuity.
Post-Accident Fuel Recovery
The owner/operator reported that after the accident, approximately 4 gallons of fuel were recovered from the left main tank and 18 gallons from the right main tank. The owner also stated that in separate conversations, the pilot and passenger did not mention completing a preflight inspection or visually verifying fuel or oil levels before departure. Additionally, they did not deny using any of the fuel pumps while attempting to restart the engine.
Mechanical Condition
The operator and pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Without the knowledge or direction of the NTSB investigator in charge, the airplane was dismantled and relocated for repair on January 11, 2023. Consequently, a follow-up airframe and engine examination could not be performed.
Fuel System Characteristics
According to the Type Certificate Data Sheet, the airplane has a fuel capacity of 65 gallons in the wing tanks, with 31.5 usable gallons and 1 unusable gallon per tank. The Pilot Operating Handbook states that with one-quarter tank or less, prolonged uncoordinated flight such as slips or skids can uncover fuel tank outlets, causing fuel starvation and engine stoppage. It also instructs that before landing, the fuel selector lever should be moved to the fullest tank position.