Engine failure and fuel exhaustion during approach near airport

No fatalities • Jackson-McKellar Sipes, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced total engine failure during a visual approach, resulting in a forced landing in a field and a subsequent post-crash fire.

What happened

During a visual approach to the airport, the pilot was operating under a cancelled IFR flight plan. While maneuvering for landing, the aircraft experienced a sequential loss of power, beginning with the failure of the left engine and followed shortly by the failure of the right engine.

Upon the loss of power, the pilot determined that the aircraft lacked the necessary altitude to attempt an engine restart. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing into a bean field located just short of the airfield. Following the impact, all occupants were able to exit the aircraft. However, a fire broke out after the aircraft came to a halt, which ultimately destroyed the fuselage.

Findings

Investigations into the incident revealed that the dual engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion. The pilot had neglected to transition the fuel supply from the auxiliary tanks to the main tanks before beginning the approach, leading to the depletion of available fuel.

Probable cause

The engines failed due to the pilot's failure to switch from auxiliary to main fuel tanks prior to the approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-09-11 Cessna 401 accident near Jackson-McKellar Sipes, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced total engine failure during a visual approach, resulting in a forced landing in a field and a subsequent post-crash fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 1991-09-11 Cessna 401 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-09-11 involved a Cessna 401, registration N13DT, operated by Harvey L. Montague, at Jackson-McKellar Sipes, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engines failed due to the pilot's failure to switch from auxiliary to main fuel tanks prior to the approach.

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