Bethel, AK, USA
N23CF
CESSNA 207
While in cruise flight, the engine experienced a loss of power at 1,000 ft above ground level. The pilot performed the emergency checklist but was unable to restore engine power. He performed a forced landing to an area of ice-covered frozen tundra. Postaccident examination of the engine and fuel system revealed that the left fuel tank was full, and the right fuel tank was empty. No fuel was present in the fuel lines from the cockpit fuel selector to the engine. During the engine examination, the engine started and ran normally. Other than the absence of fuel, no anomalies were noted with the engine that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane’s fuel selector can only operate in the left or right fuel tank position. The operator’s procedure is to change the selected fuel tank at the midpoint of the flight; however, the pilot indicated after the engine examination that he likely forgot to switch fuel tanks.
On November 20, 2022, about 1140 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 207 airplane, N23CF, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bethel, Alaska. The commercial pilot and six passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 passenger flight. The flight departed from the Goodnews Bay Airport (GNU) at 1035, on a scheduled flight to the Bethel Airport (BET). While in cruise flight at 1,000 ft above ground level, about 8 minutes from BET, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot performed the emergency procedures but was unable to regain engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing to an area of ice-covered frozen tundra about 10 miles southeast of the airport. After landing the pilot contacted the operator’s dispatch for rescue. Examination of the photographs taken at the accident site revealed substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. Examination of the airplane before recovery revealed the left fuel tank was full with about 40 gallons of fuel and the right fuel tank was empty. When power was applied to the airplane the fuel indicating system displayed the left fuel tank was almost full and the right fuel tank was empty. The airplane was recovered to the Bethel Airport for an engine examination. During the examination, no fuel was found in the fuel lines from the fuel selector in the cockpit to the engine. The damaged propeller was removed, and a serviceable propeller was installed. The engine fuel boost pump was used, and the engine started and ran normally. Visual inspection of the engine found no abnormalities. The pilot later stated he believed the engine had an engine oil pump issue and was concerned with using the fuel boost pump, fearing he was adding fuel to a possible fire. The pilot had little time to troubleshoot the engine problem and his main concern was finding a safe place to land. He said at about 75 to 100 ft above the ground, he switched the fuel selector to the left tank but did not turn on the fuel boost pump. The Cessna 207 fuel selector can only operate in the left or right fuel tank position. It is the operator’s procedure to change the selected fuel tank at the midpoint of the flight.
The total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel starvation and the pilot’s mismanagement of the available fuel.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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