# NTSB SEA91LA014: Cessna 402B, N1683T, Pocatello, ID, November 8, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 8, 1990, 08:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Pocatello, ID
- Coordinates: 42.929576, -112.180267 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.9296&lon=-112.1803&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41361
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA014
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41361/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA014

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO A BURNED PISTON RESULTING FROM ARCING AND PARTIAL FAILURE OF THE LEFT MAGNETO BECAUSE OF IMPROPER OVERHAUL, THE CONTAMINATION OF THE RIGHT MAGNETO AND IMPROPER ADJUSTMENT OF THE FUEL SYSTEM AT THE LAST MAJOR ENGINE OVERHAUL; POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING BY THE PILOT INS SELECTING THE WRONG RUNWAY; AND THE PREMATURE EXTENSION OF THE FLAPS AND LADNING GEAR CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO UNDERSHOOT THE RUNWAY.

## Analysis

DURING A CARGO FLIGHT, THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED STRONG HEAD WINDS AND ICING CONDITIONS. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD TO APPLY ADDITIONAL POWER IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE. DURING THE DESCENT TO THE AIRPORT, THE PILOT NOTIFIED ATC THAT HE WAS DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND REPORTED MINIMUM FUEL. SHORTLY THERE AFTER, THE ENGINES QUIT. THE PILOT INITIATED A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD WHERE DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE LEFT MAIN GEAR COLAPSED. POST CRASH INSPECTION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE FUEL TANKS WERE NEAR EXHAUSTED OF FUEL.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - icing conditions (contributing factor)
- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, descent - emergency
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1683T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1683T-1991-01-28), registration cancelled 1991-01-28, S/N 402B0226 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 402B
- Registry model: [Cessna 402B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-402b) (registry code 207590P) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 402B0226
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-EB 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Regional Express Company
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: SLC, SALT LAKE CITY, UT
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 8,500 total, 1,000 in this make and model, 8,300 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 700 ft overcast
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: PIH, 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 19901108049279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901108049279A), Nov 8, 1990: Cessna 402B, Pocetello, ID, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel IFR en route. Landed in open field collapsing left main gear. Empty fuel tanks. Blamed ice and wind

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

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