N2272XCessna U206E · 1970

On August 13, 2014, about 0930 central daylight time, a Cessna model U206E airplane, N2272X, was substantially damaged when it collided with power lines and terrain during a forced landing near Braithwaite, Louisiana. The airline transport pilot was not injured and his three passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by Southern Seaplane Inc. under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 with a company visual flight rules flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area observation flight that departed at 0715 from Southern Seaplane Airport (65LA) near Belle Chasse, Louisiana.The pilot reported that the accident flight was uneventful until the engine began running rough as he maneuvered toward the intended destination (65LA) at an altitude of 500 feet above the ground. The pilot reported that he immediately identified that the right fuel tank was likely running low on fuel; however, as he changed the fuel selector positions, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. Due to the airplane's low altitude, the pilot decided to make an immediate forced landing to a nearby road; however, as he approached the road, the pilot saw an approaching vehicle, and in response, he attempted to land before reaching the road. During the forced landing, the airplane collided with a power line that the pilot reportedly never saw. The left wing leading edge, both wing support struts, and the aft fuselage were damaged during the forced landing. The pilot reported that he had departed with 70 gallons of fuel, evenly distributed between both wing fuel tanks. Additionally, he stated that the airplane had been drawing fuel from the right fuel tank for the entire accident flight, which was 2 hours 15 minutes in duration, and that he did not switch fuel tanks until the engine began running rough. The pilot reported that the total loss of engine power was due to his mismanagement of the fuel system, which resulted in fuel starvation.