FLIGHTSTAR FC-II
Knoxville, TN — June 18, 2019
Event Information
| Date | June 18, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN19LA175 |
| Event ID | 20190619X90655 |
| Location | Knoxville, TN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.96389, -83.87361 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | FLIGHTSTAR |
| Model | FC-II |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | DEST |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
Full Narrative
On June 18, 2019, about 0847 eastern daylight time, a Flightstar FC-II, N354AR, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Knoxville, Tennessee. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was being operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
The pilot was conducting a flight near the Sky Ranch Airport (TN98), Knoxville, Tennessee, when the engine quit. He landed the airplane in the Tennessee River, exited the airplane, and swam ashore. After the accident, the pilot commented to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that he landed the airplane in the water due to electrical and engine problems.
The FAA inspector who examined the airplane after its recovery reported that the airplane was submerged in turbulent water for more than 24 hours and was mostly destroyed either by water impact or recovery damage. The fuel system was completely contaminated by water, and it could not be determined if fuel was present at the time of the accident. Examinations of the electrical system could not be performed due to the water damage. Other than the severe impact and recovery damage, no obvious mechanical anomalies were observed with the airframe or engine.
The pilot did not submit a National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.