On January 17, 1988, a Cessna 210 (registration N94064) operated by Sea Air Associates was involved in an aviation accident near Stowe, VT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Cessna 210 lost power shortly after takeoff. The pilot attempted an off-airport landing in a tree grove. Investigation revealed the fuel selector was on an empty left tank, causing fuel exhaustion.
What happened
The aircraft departed from the airport and encountered a sudden loss of engine power shortly thereafter. Unable to restart the engine, the pilot executed an emergency off-airport landing in a grove of trees.
The investigation
An on-scene examination conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determined that the fuel selector was positioned on the left tank. Analysis confirmed that the left tank was empty and contained no fuel in the associated lines. This configuration resulted in fuel exhaustion, preventing engine operation.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply prior to flight. The mismanagement of the fuel system led directly to the loss of power and subsequent crash landing.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.
What happened in the 17 Jan 1988 Cessna 210 accident near Stowe, VT?
A Cessna 210 lost power shortly after takeoff. The pilot attempted an off-airport landing in a tree grove. Investigation revealed the fuel selector was on an empty left tank, causing fuel exhaustion.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Jan 1988 involved a Cessna 210, registration N94064, operated by Sea Air Associates, at Stowe, VT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.
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