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August 31, 1985 · Cessna P210N · N4780K

Hayden, CO

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 31, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hayden, CO
Aircraft
Cessna P210N
Tail Number
N4780K
Operator
Ret-Butler Communications
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN85LA232

PLT SAID ENG BEGAN SURGING DURING DESCENT FROM CURISE ALT. AFTER ADJUSTING BOOST PUMP, THROTTLE, AND MIXTURE, SURGING CEASED. PLT SAID HE DROPPED FLAPS AND LOWERED LANDING GEAR AT 2000 FT AGL AND 5 MI FROM ARPT. ENG BEGAN TO SURGE AGAIN. ADJUSTMENT OF THROTTLE AND MIXTURE DID NOT CORRECT CONDITION. ENG THEN LOST ALL POWER AND PLT MADE FORCED LANDING IN WHEAT FIELD 3 MI FROM ARPT. EXAM OF ENG REVEALED UPPER DECK PRESSURE REFERENCE LINE FROM MANIFOLD TO LEFT BANK FUEL INJECTOR NOZZLE ASS'Y WAS DISCONNECTED. LINE WAS STUFFED UNDERNEATH OTHER HOSES IN THE ENG COMPARTMENT. HOSE CLAMP WAS FOUND ON METAL CHANNEL. MAINTENANCE RECORDS INDICATE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED 7.3 FLYING HOURS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. UPPER DECK PRESSURE REFERENCE LINE HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED IN ORDER TO REMOVE AND REPLACE ALTERNATOR.

Full Narrative

PLT SAID ENG BEGAN SURGING DURING DESCENT FROM CURISE ALT. AFTER ADJUSTING BOOST PUMP, THROTTLE, AND MIXTURE, SURGING CEASED. PLT SAID HE DROPPED FLAPS AND LOWERED LANDING GEAR AT 2000 FT AGL AND 5 MI FROM ARPT. ENG BEGAN TO SURGE AGAIN. ADJUSTMENT OF THROTTLE AND MIXTURE DID NOT CORRECT CONDITION. ENG THEN LOST ALL POWER AND PLT MADE FORCED LANDING IN WHEAT FIELD 3 MI FROM ARPT. EXAM OF ENG REVEALED UPPER DECK PRESSURE REFERENCE LINE FROM MANIFOLD TO LEFT BANK FUEL INJECTOR NOZZLE ASS'Y WAS DISCONNECTED. LINE WAS STUFFED UNDERNEATH OTHER HOSES IN THE ENG COMPARTMENT. HOSE CLAMP WAS FOUND ON METAL CHANNEL. MAINTENANCE RECORDS INDICATE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED 7.3 FLYING HOURS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. UPPER DECK PRESSURE REFERENCE LINE HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED IN ORDER TO REMOVE AND REPLACE ALTERNATOR.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 MDT
Nearest AirportYampa Valley (2nm E)
Runway28
Runway Length6999 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna P210N
Tail NumberN4780K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRet-Butler Communications
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-520-P · Reciprocating · 310
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 15 kt, gusting 23 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 12000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:46
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data