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NTSB Report

May 6, 2002 · Cessna T210N · N888GB

Flagstaff, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 6, 2002
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Flagstaff, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna T210N
Tail Number
N888GB
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX02LA151

The airplane collided with trees following a loss of engine power while on approach to the airport. While the airplane was on final approach, the pilot noted that the airplane was low, and manipulated the throttle control to the full forward position, in an effort to increase power. The engine did not respond to the throttle input, and the propeller stopped. About 3,000 feet from the runway, the airplane impacted trees. The pilot had the left fuel tank selected and 18 gallons was found in the tank after the accident. Post accident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal a reason for the power loss. After replacing the propeller, the engine was started and it operated normally, exhibiting normal pressures and acceleration.

NTSB Probable Cause

a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On May 6, 2002, about 1525 mountain standard time, a Cessna T210N, N888GB, collided with trees following a loss of engine power while on final approach to the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, Flagstaff, Arizona. Forest Aire L.L.C., was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal cross-country flight departed Scottsdale, Arizona, about 1440, with a planned destination of Flagstaff. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. In a written statement, the pilot reported that, while executing a left traffic pattern for runway 21, he configured the airplane with wing flaps fully extended and the landing gear in the down and locked position. As he made a left turn from base leg onto final approach, about 300 feet above ground level (agl), the pilot noted that the airplane was getting low. He manipulated the throttle control to the full forward position, in an effort to obtain maximum power. The engine did not respond to the throttle input, and the propeller slowed down. In a matter of seconds the engine became quiet and the propeller stopped. About 3,000 feet from the runway, the airplane impacted trees. The pilot further noted that while on the approach, the left fuel tank was selected. During impact, the left fuel tank remained intact, while the right fuel tank was destroyed. The left tank had about 18 gallons of fuel remaining, and he estimated that the right tank had about the same amount, prior to the impact. Under the auspice of the Federal Aviation Administration, a Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) engine representative examined the airplane and engine. In a written statement, the TCM representative reported that after replacing the propeller and adding oil, the engine started and operated normally, exhibiting normal pressures and acceleration. An aviation routine weather report (METAR) for Flagstaff at 1545 reported that the temperature was 21 degrees Celsius, and the dew point was negative 9 degrees Celsius. The reporting station is located at an elevation of 7,000 feet mean sea level. According to the Cessna Pilot's Association Tech Note 011, in an effort to prevent vapor lock in the 1980 and later models years of the 210/T210-P210, Cessna modified the fuel system by increasing the rear doorpost fuel feed line in diameter from 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch. The objective was for the fuel vapor to return to the main fuel tank from the reservoir tank with less resistance via the forward doorpost fuel line. Due to this modification, Cessna Aircraft deemed those models of airplanes not applicable to Service Bulletin SE81-33, which called out for a modification of the fuel system where the forward fuel feed line is tied into the rear fuel feed line prior to the reservoir tank. The complete Tech Note is appended to this report in the public docket. During a telephone conversation, the president of the Cessna Pilot's Association stated that several years back he tested the vapor lock issues in the 210 aircraft by replacing the fuel feed lines with clear fuel feed lines to observe vapor formation and its corresponding behavior. He recalled that although the rear doorpost fuel feed line was larger in diameter, the vapor continued to impede the line and disrupt fuel flow. He further stated that in effort to recover from vapor lock a pilot merely has to switch the fuel tank and activate the fuel boost pump, which will restart the engine in several seconds.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:25 MST
Nearest AirportFlagstaff Pulliam Airport (0nm NE)
Runway21
Runway Length6999 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna T210N
Tail NumberN888GB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-520 · Reciprocating · 310
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 16 C
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time22:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data