# NTSB DEN88LA080: Cessna TU-206, N9848M, Durango, CO, February 20, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 20, 1988, 12:42 local (19:42 UTC)
- Place: Durango, CO
- Coordinates: 37.270088, -107.880371 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.2701&lon=-107.8804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 30, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17457
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN88LA080
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17457/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88LA080

## Analysis

WHILE ON A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT THE PLT RAN SHORT OF FUEL AND ALTERED COURSE TO ANOTHER AIRPORT. THE PILOT SAID THE ACFT ENGINE FAILED SHORT OF THE NEW DESTINATION DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE PLT PERFORMED AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD AND THE ACFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE DURING THE LANDING.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, descent - normal
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9848M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9848M), registered now, S/N U20604575, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA TU-206
- Registry model: [Cessna TU206G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-tu206g) (registry code 2073357) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-520-series) (registry code 17040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: U20604575
- Airframe hours: 1052
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-M 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Paul D. Dempsey
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 2, 1987, 31 hours before
- Departed: TUS, TUCSON, AZ
- Destination: TEX, TELLURIDE, CO
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 189 total, 86 in this make and model, 99 as pilot in command, 31 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 75 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DRO, 5 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19880220003119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880220003119A), Feb 20, 1988: Cessna TU206G, Durango, CO, Substantial damage. Low on fuel en route diverted to near airport but ran out of fuel short. Landed rough field.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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