Cessna TU206C accident near Skiatook, Oklahoma, August 13, 2016
On August 13, 2016 at about 4:00 pm local time, a 1968 Cessna TU206C, registered N29225, was substantially damaged in an accident during enroute (climb to cruise) near Skiatook, Oklahoma (Skiatook Municipal Airport). It was a skydiving flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 7 people had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A total loss of engine power after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- August 13, 2016 · about 4:00 pm local time
- Place
- Skiatook, Oklahoma · Skiatook Municipal Airport · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 7 people had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Cessna TU206C G, built 1968 · all TU206Cs on the register
- Registration
- N29225 · no longer on the register · serial U206-1177
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Skydiving flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The private pilot reported that the accident flight was the second skydiving drop flight of the day. The takeoff and initial climb were normal; however, between 900 and 1,000 ft above ground level, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot executed a forced landing to a field, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. About 5 gallons of fuel was removed from the airplane at the accident site before transport. During a detailed examination, flight control cable continuity was established from the cockpit to all control surfaces. The fuel selector valve was found between the right tank and off position. The valve functioned normally when rotated by hand. Although the fuel selector valve was found in between the "off" and right tank positions after the accident, it could not be determined if the valve was in that position during the flight. The fuel strainer showed a small amount of fuel present. The fuel was tested and the results were negative for water. There was a significant amount of debris observed in the fuel strainer and the strainer bowl. The debris was consistent with caulking and rust particles. The airplane had usable fuel onboard during the accident flight and the engine ran smoothly during the day's previous flight. Whether the debris found in the fuel filter bowl contributed to the loss of power could not be determined. Examination of the engine revealed a loose B-nut fitting to the upper deck pressure line. The engine was test run once with the B-nut tightened, and once with the B-nut loosened; no anomalies were noted. Therefore, the loose B-nut was most likely not the reason for the loss of engine power.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of engine power (total) during enroute (climb to cruise) defining event
- Off-field or emergency landing during landing
The NTSB's findings
- cause Not determined › Not determined › (general) › (general) › Unknown/Not determined
- Environmental issues › Physical environment › Terrain › Rough terrain › Contributed to outcome
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 906 hours in all; 63 in this make and model
- Last flight review: March 1, 2015
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: sngl
- Injury: minor injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 3,688 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, August 1, 2015; 86 hours since
- Seats: 7
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Continental TSIO-520-C (piston); 3,688 hours total
- Operator: Gypsy Moth Skydiving LLC
The flight
- Departed from: 2F6 Skiatook OK at 4:50 pm
- Destination: 2F6 Skiatook OK
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 010° at 11 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: scat at 2,600 ft
- Temperature: 82°F (28°C), dew point 72°F (22°C)
- Altimeter: 29.95 inHg
- Observation at 3:53 pm from TUL, 17 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 6 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
7 documents, released by the NTSB on July 5, 2018. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memorandum for the Record - Pilot Incident Report | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 2 | Overhead Image of Approximate Flight Path and Accident Site | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 3 | Photo Array | PDF, 7 pages | View Download |
| 4 | Airframe Manufacturers Accident Report | PDF, 7 pages | View Download |
| 5 | Annual Inspection Logbook Documents for Airframe and Engine | PDF, 2 pages | View Download |
| 6 | Engine Manufacturers Engine Test Run Report | PDF, 13 pages | View Download |
| 7 | Weather Information | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.
