Engine power loss during go-around leads to aircraft crash

No fatalities • San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced engine failure during a missed approach, resulting in a collision with a bridge railing and a subsequent crash.

What happened

During the approach phase, air traffic control directed the pilot to perform a go-around due to insufficient separation between aircraft in the traffic pattern. As the pilot was executing this maneuver, the engine suffered a loss of power. The aircraft subsequently struck a guard railing on a bridge located approximately one mile from the airfield, leading to the crash.

Findings

An investigation of the wreckage revealed that the fuel line connecting the fuel control servo to the engine-driven pump was empty. The investigation determined that the left main fuel tank had leaked for roughly five minutes. While the right main tank remained intact and held between 5 and 10 gallons of fuel, both auxiliary tanks were found to be depleted. Additionally, the fuel selector valve was positioned between the off position and the right main tank. Aside from these fuel system issues, no other irregularities were identified in the engine or the airframe.

Probable cause

The engine lost power due to fuel starvation caused by a leak in the left main fuel tank and the position of the fuel selector valve.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-08-23 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident near San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced engine failure during a missed approach, resulting in a collision with a bridge railing and a subsequent crash.

Were there any fatalities in the 1995-08-23 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-08-23 involved a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair, registration N91004, operated by Jack Lichty, at San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine lost power due to fuel starvation caused by a leak in the left main fuel tank and the position of the fuel selector valve.

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