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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

December 17, 2008 · Cessna 402 B · N4504B

Madison, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 17, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Madison, WI
Aircraft
Cessna 402 B
Tail Number
N4504B
Operator
Freight Runners Express
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09LA095

The on-demand cargo flight departed for the destination airport and was delayed en route due to repetitive destination airport closures. The closures were the result of snow-contaminated runways. The pilot then diverted to an alternate airport due to concerns about remaining fuel reserves. The airplane experienced a loss of engine power during an instrument approach at the alternate airport and impacted the ground about 200 yards short of the landing runway. A postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed no usable fuel on board.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power during an instrument landing due to fuel exhaustion.

Full Narrative

On December 16, 2008, at 2252 central standard time, a Cessna 402B, N4504B, operated by Freight Runners Express, Inc., received substantial damage on impact with terrain during a forced landing near Madison, Wisconsin. The commercial pilot was uninjured. The 14 CFR Part 135 on-demand cargo flight was operating on an instrument flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from Appleton, Wisconsin, at 2030 and was en route to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In preparation for an on-demand cargo flight, the pilot reportedly obtained preflight information at 1935 indicating General Mitchell International Airport (MKE), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was closed but was to reopen at 2015. The pilot was informed during taxi for departure that there would be a 10 minute departure delay. After the delay, the airplane departed and the pilot reduced cruise speed by about 10 knots due to "backed up" traffic at MKE. While en route, air traffic control (ATC) informed the pilot that MKE reopened. The pilot received radar vectors that took the airplane over Lake Michigan and then to the west for the ILS 7R approach. When the airplane reached a midfield downwind position during the approach, MKE closed again due to a poor braking action report. The airplane was then vectored to a holding fix where the pilot completed 1 1/2 turns before receiving radar vectors for ILS 7R. The airplane flew the ILS 7R approach, was on a 2 mile final, and cleared to land, when the pilot was instructed by ATC to perform a missed approach. A poor braking action report was reported and MKE closed again. The pilot contacted the operator who told the pilot to divert to Chicago/Rockford International Airport (RFD), Rockford, Illinois. The pilot asked ATC for minimal vectors to RFD and did not use the specific verbiage, "minimum fuel." He noticed that the airplane's indicated airspeed began to decrease 15-20 knots with an accumulation of ice on the wings, which he described as severe. He decided that he would not be able to divert to RFD due to fuel and diverted to Dane County Regional Airport-Truax Field (MSN), Madison, Wisconsin, since it was closer. He executed a climb to 8,000 feet to get out of the icing. He requested and received clearance for the ILS 36 approach at MSN. The left engine began to sputter as the airplane neared the approach's decision height. The pilot shut the engine down and thereafter was unable to maintain altitude. The airplane impacted terrain approximately 200 yards short of runway 36. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed no usable fuel in the airplane's fuel tanks.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:52 CST
Nearest AirportDane County Regional Airport (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length9006 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 402 B
Tail NumberN4504B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFreight Runners Express
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsTeledyne Continental Motors · TSIO-520-E · Reciprocating · 300
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 30 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightNight
Wind360° @ 3 kt
Visibility1 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point9 C / 5 C
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time04:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data