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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 8, 2002 · Rockwell International 500-S · N8536

Jackson, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
April 8, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Jackson, AL
Aircraft
Rockwell International 500-S
Tail Number
N8536
Operator
Air Carriers
Injuries
None
NTSB Number
ATL02IA079

The pilot stated the airplane was topped off with fuel. About an hour into the flight, power was lost in both engines. The pilot executed an emergency landing in a field and exited the airplane. The pilot stated she saw the fuel cap was off and hanging by its chain. Examination of the airplane revealed there was no fuel in the fuel system, and there was no evidence of fuel splatter on the wing, fuselage, or tail surfaces. The wing skin around the fuel fill port and chain attachment displayed no scratches nor dents. The fuel cap chain assembly was of the type designed to break free at 20 knots airspeed in the event a fuel cap is left unsecured, and the airplane was equipped with a non-siphoning fuel fill port. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction, and no evidence of defect was observed with the fuel cap chain.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, loss of engine power in both engines, and subsequent forced landing in a field.

Full Narrative

On April 8, 2002, at 0850 central daylight time, a Rockwell International 500-S, N8536, registered to and operated by Air Carriers, Inc., landed in a field following a loss of power in both engines in Jackson, Alabama. The on-demand air taxi flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 135 with an instrument flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the incident. The commercial pilot was not injured, and the airplane was not damaged. The flight departed Bessemer, Alabama, at 0750 on April 6, 2002. The pilot stated she completed her "usual preflight of the aircraft, which included checking engine oil and fuel," and she stated, "the fuel was topped off." Approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, the flight was cruising at 8,000 feet msl. At this time the fuel gauge showed 80 gallons in the fuel tank. Approximatelt 10 minutes later, the fuel gauge showed 50 gallons of fuel in the tank. The pilot elected to continue the flight to the planned destination of Mobile, Alabama. As the flight approached Jackson, Alabama, both engines sputtered, and the pilot performed the fuel emergency checklist. The pilot turned on the fuel boost pumps and retuned the mixture levers to full rich. The pilot reported the engine out problem to air traffic control, and requested a heading to the nearest airport. The pilot reversed her heading and statred a descent from 8000 feet. The airplane descended through the clouds and broke out about 2,800 feet msl. The pilot saw only trees and rolling hills, however the pilot located a pasture and landed the airplane without further incident. The pilot stated, "both engines were stopped. At that time I exited the airplane and did notice the fuel cap was off, still attached to the chain." Examination of the airplane found the fuel cap was unsecured and hanging by its chain. There was no fuel in the fuel system, and there was no evidence of fuel splatter on the wing, fuselage, or tail surfaces. The wing skin around the fuel fill port and chain attachment displayed no scratches nor dents. The fuel cap chain assembly was of the type designed to break free at 20 knots airspeed in the event a fuel cap is left unsecured, and the airplane was equipped with a non-siphoning fuel fill port. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction, and no evidence of defect was observed with the fuel cap chain.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time08:50 CDT
Nearest AirportJackson Municipal Airport (3nm NNE)
Runway18
Runway Length4995 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRockwell International 500-S
Tail NumberN8536
Aircraft CategoryAir
OperatorAir Carriers
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · L-12609-48 · Reciprocating · 290 | Lycoming · L-10964-48 · Reciprocating · 290
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 12 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data