On July 26, 2008, a Cessna 414 Chancellor (registration XB-JBD) operated by Juan García Martínez was involved in an aviation accident near San Andrés-Gustavo Rojas Pinilla, Colombia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine on final due to fuel exhaustion. It remained a total of 3 gallons of fuel in the left fuel tank and 23 gallons in the right main tank. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft on a private flight experienced left engine failure due to fuel exhaustion during final approach. The pilot ditched near the coast; both occupants evacuated safely.
Incident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft was operating a private flight from San Salvador-Ilopango Airport to Barranquilla, with an intermediate stop planned at San Andrés Island. The flight carried one pilot and one passenger.
Sequence of Events
While on final approach to runway 06 at San Andrés-Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Airport, the left engine failed. The pilot increased power on the right engine, but the aircraft continued to lose altitude. The pilot executed a ditching near the coastline. Both occupants evacuated the aircraft without reported injuries and were quickly rescued by nearby responders. The aircraft sustained damage beyond economical repair.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause was failure of the left engine on final due to fuel exhaustion. Post-accident fuel measurements indicated 3 gallons remaining in the left fuel tank and 23 gallons in the right main tank.