NATCHEZ, MS, USA
N26CY
SUKHOI SU-26M
THE PILOT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION WHILE DESCENDING TO ENTER THE TRAFFIC PATTERN AT HIS DESTINATION AIRPORT AFTER 2 HOURS AND 20 MINUTES OF FLYING. THE OWNER OF THE AIRCRAFT STATED THE AIRCRAFT HAD A USABLE FUEL CAPACITY OF 50 GALLONS AND CONSUMED BETWEEN 20 AND 21 GALLONS PER HOUR.
On September 16, 1993, at 1734 central daylight time, a Sukhoi SU-26M, N26CY, registered to Pompano Air Center, Inc., crashed into trees while making a forced landing following loss of engine power at Natchez, Mississippi, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot received minor injuries. The flight originated at Panama City, Florida, on September 16, 1993, at 1512. The pilot stated that while 4 miles from the Natchez-Adams County Airport, descending through 1,200 feet msl to airport pattern altitude, the engine failed. While performing a forced landing the aircraft crashed in a wooded area. He stated he had flown 2 hours 20 minutes since departure. The registered owner of the aircraft stated the aircraft has a 50-gallon usable fuel capacity and that under normal conditions will consume an average of 20 gallons of fuel per hour. The pilot stated to FAA inspectors that he flew from Cross City, Florida to Panama City, Florida in 1 hour. On departure from Cross City the aircraft's fuel tanks were full. On arrival at Panama City the fuel tanks were filled, requiring 20.8 gallons. See attached FAA inspectors report.
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO ACCURATELY CALCULATE FUEL CONSUMPTION RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION WHILE APPROACHING THE DESTINATION AIRPORT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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