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February 28, 2004 · Cessna T210M · N50MC

Grape Creek, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 28, 2004
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Grape Creek, TX
Aircraft
Cessna T210M
Tail Number
N50MC
Operator
Butler Brothers and Cervi Rodeo
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW04CA084

The 6,500-hour commercial pilot reported that prior to departing he had, "completed a preflight and checked all fuel tanks to make sure they were full." During the 580-nautical mile cross-country flight, while in cruise flight at 11,000 feet msl, the pilot advised air traffic control that he was low on fuel and requested a straight-in approach to the airport. Approximately nine minutes later, during a descent in instrument meteorological conditions, the pilot informed air traffic control that the engine was "quitting" and, "we're out of gas... we're out of gas." The pilot regained visual contact approximately 1,200 feet above the ground, and landed in a partially obstructed field. During the forced landing, the airplane collided with mesquite trees of various sizes. Examination of the airplane revealed the right wing fuel tank contained approximately one cup of fuel, and that no fuel was observed in the left fuel tank. Both fuel caps were found secured and intact.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper in-flight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain available for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On February 28, 2004, at 1446 central standard time, a Cessna T210M single-engine airplane, N50MC, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Grape Creek, Texas. The commercial pilot, and one of his two passengers sustained minor injuries. The other passenger was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Butler Brothers and Cervi Rodeo Co., of Hungerford, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the business flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The 580-nautical mile cross-country flight originated from Greeley, Colorado, at 0940 mountain standard time, and was destined for the San Angelo Regional Airport (SJT), near San Angelo, Texas. A review of voice communications revealed the 6,500-hour pilot had notified air traffic control that he was critical on fuel and had requested a straight-in approach to San Angelo. A controller provided information to the pilot for a surveillance approach, and cleared him to descend to an altitude of 4,300 feet msl. Approximately nine minutes after reporting that he was critical on fuel, the pilot reported that the engine was "quitting" and said, "we're out gas...we're out of gas." The pilot descended in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) until he reached an approximate altitude of 3,000 feet msl (approximately 1,100 above ground level). The controller informed the pilot that there was a highway approximately 3 nautical miles south of his position and ranches in the vicinity of his position. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he had, "completed a preflight and checked all fuel tanks to make sure they were full" prior to departing. When he was approximately 20 miles northeast of the San Angelo Airport, at 11,000 feet msl, the engine stopped producing power, and he descended through IMC between 8,200 feet and 3,400 feet msl. Once the pilot had the ground in sight, he turned the airplane into the wind, which was from the south at 25 knots, and landed in a partially obstructed field. Upon landing, the airplane impacted multiple mesquite trees of various sizes. Examination of the airplane by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed the right wing fuel tank contained approximately one cup of fuel, and no fuel was observed in the left fuel tank. Both the left and right fuel caps were secure and intact. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:46 CST
Nearest AirportSan Angelo Regional Airport/Ma (6nm N)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna T210M
Tail NumberN50MC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorButler Brothers and Cervi Rodeo
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-520-R · Reciprocating · 310
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 13 kt, gusting 21 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 30 C
Altimeter29.84 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data