NTSB Factual Report

On November 15, 2017, at 1515 mountain standard time, a Cessna T207A, experienced a total loss of engine power and impacted terrain during a forced landing about two miles from Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport (RKS), Rock Springs, Wyoming. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot and one passenger received minor injuries, and two passengers received serious injuries. The airplane was registered to Slickrock Air Guides Inc and operated by Redtail Air, Inc under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a public-use aerial survey flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight originated from and was returning to RKS after having completed the aerial survey.

The airplane experienced the loss of engine power while on an approximate 3.5-mile base-to-final approach for landing. The left fuel tank contained no useable fuel, and the right tank contained full fuel. The left fuel gauge indication showed about 1/3 fuel remaining. The pilot selected the right fuel tank after the power loss but was unable to restart the engine. The pilot performed the landing on flat brush-covered terrain. The airplane came to rest on the edge of an asphalt road, which did not have any aerial obstructions. The airplane flaps were in the extended position.