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NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

March 21, 1986 · Cessna T210N · N5256A

Phoenix, AZ

Overview

Report Status

Preliminary report

Event Type

Accident

Date

March 21, 1986

Injury Outcomes

1 injury (1 serious injury)

Location

Phoenix, AZ

Aircraft

Cessna T210N

Tail Number

N5256A

Injuries

Serious

Aircraft Damage

Substantial

NTSB Number

LAX86LA149

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING INSTRUMENT APPROACHES AND REPORTED TO THE CONTROL TOWER THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. DURING THE ATTEMPTED FORCED LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK POWER LINES AND CRASHED INVERTED IN A RIVER BED TWO MILES WEST OF THE AIRPORT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT WING FUEL TANK CONTAINED NO FUEL AND THAT THE LEFT WING FUEL TANK WAS FULL. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND POSITIONED TO THE RIGHT WING FUEL TANK.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING INSTRUMENT APPROACHES AND REPORTED TO THE CONTROL TOWER THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. DURING THE ATTEMPTED FORCED LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK POWER LINES AND CRASHED INVERTED IN A RIVER BED TWO MILES WEST OF THE AIRPORT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT WING FUEL TANK CONTAINED NO FUEL AND THAT THE LEFT WING FUEL TANK WAS FULL. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND POSITIONED TO THE RIGHT WING FUEL TANK.

Flight

Event TypeAccident

Event Time11:49 MST

Nearest AirportSky Harbor (2nm W)

Runway8R

Runway Length11001 ft

Runway Width150 ft

Flight Plan FiledIFR

Aircraft FireUnknown

Aircraft ExplosionUnknown

Aircraft

AircraftCessna T210N

Tail NumberN5256A

Aircraft CategoryAir

DamageSubstantial

Operating RulePart 91

Engines1

Engine TypeReciprocating

Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-520-R · Reciprocating · 285

Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)

Fatal0

Serious1

Minor0

Uninjured0

Total1

Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC

LightDaylight

Wind80° @ 12 kt

Visibility50 sm

CeilingNone

Temperature / Dew Point27 C

Altimeter30.00 inHg

Observation Time19:04

Weather SourceWFAC

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March 21, 1986 · Cessna T210N · N5256A

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