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Go-Around Leads to Fuel Starvation and Crash on Bridge (N91004)

San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 23, 1995, a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair (registration N91004) operated by Jack Lichty was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper fuel management and improper use of the fuel selector valve. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft instructed to go-around due to traffic spacing lost engine power and crashed on a bridge. Investigation found empty fuel line and improper fuel selector position.

Accident Details

A local controller instructed the pilot to perform a go-around because of inadequate spacing in the traffic pattern. While executing the go-around, the engine lost power. The airplane subsequently crashed on a bridge after colliding with the guard railing approximately one mile from the airport.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel line between the engine-driven pump and the fuel control servo was empty. The left main fuel tank leaked for about five minutes; the right main fuel tank was not compromised and contained between 5 and 10 gallons of fuel. Both auxiliary fuel tanks were empty. The fuel selector valve was found selected between the right main fuel tank and the off position. No other engine or airframe anomalies were discovered.

Probable Cause

According to the official findings, the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's improper fuel management and improper use of the fuel selector valve.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

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