Total power loss involving a Cessna P206, VH-PLE, Corowa Aerodrome, New South Wales, on 24 February 1996

The pilot reported that he had refuelled the aircraft to 80 litres per tank prior to departure. Pre-flight and engine checks were normal. Soon after take-off, as the flaps were retracted at about 120 ft, the fuel pressure dropped to zero and the engine stopped abruptly. The pilot immediately landed on the remaining runway but was unable to stop the aircraft overrunning the runway into rough terrain, collapsing the nose landing gear. He reported that during the shutdown checks the fuel selector was turned from the left tank to the off position.

No defects were found when the engine was stripped after the accident. It was reported that the engine ran normally during a test run after reassembly, using all of the original accessories.

The reason for the sudden engine stoppage was not determined.