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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 7, 1996 · Cessna 210-5 · N8139Z

Muskogee, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 7, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Muskogee, OK
Aircraft
Cessna 210-5
Tail Number
N8139Z
Operator
Larago Electrical
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA345

According to the pilot, the engine started to run rough, and then lost power, while in cruise flight at 6,500 feet MSL. The pilot attempted to land at a nearby airport; however, he subsequently landed short of the airport in a field approximately one mile southeast of the airport. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted a fence and fence posts, which resulted in leading edge damage to one wing and structural damage to both wing struts. The engine was examined by an FAA inspector, the aircraft owner, and a representative from the engine manufacturer at a local FBO. The contents of the fuel system were examined, and evidence of fuel contamination was found. The fuel in the tanks was yellow/straw in color and lacked the appearance of 100LL fuel; however, no diesel or jet fuel was detected. New spark plugs were installed, and the airplane was defueled and serviced with fresh 100LL fuel. The engine was started, and it operated normally through the normal operating range.

NTSB Probable Cause

loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On August 7, 1996, at 1000 central daylight time, a Cessna 210-5, N8139Z, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Muskogee, Oklahoma. The airplane was owned and operated by a private owner. The private pilot and his two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. A weather briefing was obtained by the pilot prior to the flight and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from a private airstrip near Lonoke, Arkansas, at approximately 0800. According to the pilot, the engine started to run rough, and subsequently lost power while in cruise flight at 6,500 feet MSL. The pilot attempted to land at the Davis Airport, near Muskogee, Oklahoma; however, he was not able to reach the airport and landed in a field approximately one mile southeast of the airport. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted a fence and fence posts resulting in leading edge damage to one wing and structural damage to both wing struts. The engine was examined by the FAA inspector, the aircraft owner, and a representative from the engine manufacturer on August 28, 1996 at an FBO at Davis Field in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The contents of the fuel system were examined. The fuel in the tanks was "discolored" by an unknown substance and appeared yellow/straw in color. The fuel was also lacking the appearance and smell of 100LL fuel; however, no diesel or jet fuel was detected. New spark plugs were installed as the fuel tanks were drained and serviced with fresh 100LL fuel. The engine was started and operated normally through the normal operating range by the pilot/owner of the aircraft. The loss of engine power was attributed to the contaminated fuel found in the fuel tanks.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 210-5
Tail NumberN8139Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLarago Electrical
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470-S · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data