NTSB Factual Report

On January 20, 2003, about 0945 eastern standard time, a Cessna 207A, N9945M, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, following a total loss of engine power while departing from Put In Bay Airport (3W2), Put In Bay, Ohio. The certificated commercial pilot and a passenger sustained minor injuries, while another passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the planned flight to Carl R. Keller Field (PCW), Port Clinton, Ohio. No flight plan was filed for the air taxi flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 135.

The pilot stated that the engine start, taxi, run-up, and takeoff were uneventful. However, shortly after departing runway 03, about 300 feet agl, the engine lost all power. After the power loss, the pilot activated the electric fuel pump, and moved the fuel selector several times. He then heard the stall warning horn, and performed a forced landing into trees. The pilot believed that the power loss was related to fuel, but he was not sure of the exact cause. He added that there was no unusual engine noise or sputtering.

The pilot further stated that both fuel gauges indicated "1/4" full, and he probably departed with the fuel selector positioned to the right tank, but could not be certain. The pilot also noted that after the power loss, with the electric fuel pump operating, the fuel flow gauge did not indicate any flow. However, he added that in the past, there was a time lag between activation of the pump, and a noticeable increase in indicated fuel flow.

According to an Ohio State Police report, shortly after the accident, the pilot stated to a Put In Bay police officer that he may have selected the empty fuel tank. Additionally, one of the passengers stated that when he exited the airplane, he did not see or smell any fuel. The passenger added:

"I have been in the plane with [the pilot] before when he has run out of fuel in one tank and switched over to the other tank and refired the engine..."

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage. The inspector observed that the fuel selector was positioned to the right fuel tank, and the right tank contained some fuel. The left fuel tank had ruptured during the impact. The inspector observed about one ounce of fuel in the flow divider, and it was absent of contamination. He did not observe any ice build-up on the air intake. Due to the disposition of the wreckage, the inspector was unable to rotate the propeller 360 degrees. He was able to move it somewhat, and did not hear any binding sounds. The inspector planned to further examine the engine after the wreckage was recovered.

On February 4, 2003, under the supervision of an FAA inspector, an engine test-run was attempted. Due to impact damage, a new propeller, fuel pump, and auxiliary starter were utilized for the test-run. An initial engine start was unsuccessful. Subsequently, the spark plugs were dried, a damaged left magneto p-lead was replaced, and the engine was primed. When the crankshaft was rotated, the engine started immediately and ran smoothly.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power during the initial climb.