On April 5, 1982, a Cessna T210L (registration N210LV) operated by Ruben Essary was involved in an aviation accident near Detroit, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to inadequate preflight planning and in-flight decision-making by the pilot. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying a Piper PA-28 encountered icing and poor visibility, electing to divert to an alternate airport. Low on fuel, the engine quit during approach, causing the aircraft to crash in a field one mile short of the runway.
What happened
The pilot elected to land at an alternate airport after encountering poor visibility and icing conditions. While receiving vectors to Detroit Metro, the pilot reported being low on fuel and needing to land. During the approach, the engine quit. The aircraft was landed in a field approximately one mile short of the runway and collided with trees.
Findings
The investigation revealed that the Piper PA-28 suffered from fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors included the pilot's decision to continue flying into adverse weather conditions without adequate fuel reserves.
Probable cause
Fuel exhaustion due to inadequate preflight planning and in-flight decision-making by the pilot.
What happened in the 5 Apr 1982 Cessna T210L accident near Detroit, MI?
A pilot flying a Piper PA-28 encountered icing and poor visibility, electing to divert to an alternate airport. Low on fuel, the engine quit during approach, causing the aircraft to crash in a field one mile short of the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Apr 1982 involved a Cessna T210L, registration N210LV, operated by Ruben Essary, at Detroit, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fuel exhaustion due to inadequate preflight planning and in-flight decision-making by the pilot.
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