Crash of a Cessna 401 in Jackson
Date & Time:
Sep 11, 1991 at 1902 LT
Registration:
N13DT
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Raleigh - Jackson
MSN:
401-0247
YOM:
1969
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total hours on type:
659.00
Circumstances:
The pilot had cancelled his ifr flight plan, and was proceeding to the airport visually. During his approach, the left engine quit, followed by the right engine. He then realized that he had failed to switch from the auxiliary fuel tanks to the main fuel tanks prior to the approach, and exhausted the auxiliary fuel supply. With insufficient altitude to attempt a restart, he force landed the airplane in a bean field short of the airport. After the airplane came to a stop, the occupants egressed, and the fuselage was consumed in a post-crash fire.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to select the main fuel tanks prior to the approach, resulting in fuel starvation and engine stoppage.
Final Report:
