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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

November 7, 1997 · Douglas DC-3C · N59316

Memphis, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 7, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Memphis, TN
Aircraft
Douglas DC-3C
Tail Number
N59316
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA98LA024

The PIC stated he was established on an instrument approach when the left engine fuel pressure dropped to zero and the engine quit. He moved the fuel selector to the right rear fuel tank and the engine started. He continued the approach for about 2 miles when the right engine quit followed by the left engine. He made a forced landing to a sand bar. Examination of the airplane revealed the fuel tanks were not ruptured and the fuel tanks were empty.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot-in-command's improper management of fuel resulting in a total loss of engine power on both engines during an instrument approach due to fuel exhaustion.

Full Narrative

On November 6, 1997, about 1956 central standard time, a Douglas DC-3C, N59316, registered to McNeeley Charter Services Inc., operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 positioning flight, experienced a total loss of engine power on an instrument approach, and made a forced landing to a sand bar in the vicinity of Memphis, Tennessee. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airline transport-rated pilot-in-command and commercial rated first officer reported no injuries. The flight originated from Gulfport, Mississippi, about 2 hours 11 minutes before the accident. The PIC stated they were in cruise flight at 6,000 feet about 30 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee, when the left engine fuel pressure started to fluctuate. He turned the boost pumps on and switched the fuel selectors from the front fuel tanks to the rear fuel tanks. ATC was notified and priority handling was requested and received. The front fuel gages indicated 25 gallons per side and the rear fuel gages indicated 50 gallons per side. They received clearance for an NDB approach and to descend to 2,000 feet. They were established on the approach at 2,000 feet about 8 miles south of the airport, when the left engine fuel pressure dropped to zero and the left engine quit. The fuel selector was moved to the right rear fuel tank and the engine started. The rear fuel gages indicated about 30 gallons of fuel. They continued for about 2 miles when the right engine quit followed by the left engine. The PIC informed ATC they were going down and maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing to a sand bar on the Mississippi, River. Examination of the crashsite revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure of the airframe, and flight control assemblies. The four fuel tanks were not ruptured and no fuel was present in the fuel tanks. NTSB Form 6120.1/2 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report was faxed to the registered owner on November 7, 1997 requesting a detailed written statement from the PIC and the first officer. The completed form was faxed back to the NTSB investigator-in-charge on November 13, 1997. A detailed statement from the PIC and first officer was not submitted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:56 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDouglas DC-3C
Tail NumberN59316
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · 1830-92 · Reciprocating · 1200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind310° @ 12 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingOvercast 900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time02:38
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data