Engine failure and fuel mismanagement during flight

No fatalities • Paradise, United States of America • Flight

An aircraft experienced total engine failure during flight due to fuel mismanagement, resulting in an emergency landing in heavy vegetation.

What happened

During a flight, approximately 20 minutes after departure, the pilot experienced a loss of power in the left engine. In an attempt to restore power, the pilot activated the electric boost pump located on the left firewall and transitioned the left engine to the auxiliary fuel tank. While this action initially restored power to the left engine, the pilot subsequently switched the right engine to its respective auxiliary tank.

Within 20 to 30 seconds of this maneuver, both engines ceased operation. Following the dual engine failure, the pilot was unable to successfully restart either engine. The aircraft subsequently performed an emergency landing into dense brush at an airspeed of approximately 40 knots.

Findings

According to reports from the FAA, the incident was driven by fuel mismanagement by the pilot. Specifically, the pilot waited too long to perform the necessary fuel tank switches, which led to the depletion of usable fuel and the subsequent loss of power to both engines.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to switch fuel tanks in a timely manner, leading to the loss of power in both engines.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-05-02 Dornier DO.28A/B accident near Paradise, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced total engine failure during flight due to fuel mismanagement, resulting in an emergency landing in heavy vegetation.

Were there any fatalities in the 1993-05-02 Dornier DO.28A/B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-05-02 involved a Dornier DO.28A/B, registration N12828, operated by Brian Esler, at Paradise, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to switch fuel tanks in a timely manner, leading to the loss of power in both engines.

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