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Engine Failure During Final Approach Leads to Forced Landing; Fuel Selector Found on Left Tank, Right Magneto Impulse Spring Broken (N81859)

Melbourne, FL, US

On February 8, 1989, a Cessna T210L (registration N81859) operated by Stambaugh's Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Melbourne, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ACCURATELY DETERMINE FUEL QUANTITY PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FOLLOWED BY HIS FAILURE TO OPERATE THE ENGINE ON THE FULLEST FUEL TANK RESULTING IN A FUEL TANK BEING RUN DRY RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE WHILE ON SHORT FINAL APPROACH AT HIS… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A ferry flight experienced an engine failure on final approach, resulting in a forced landing. Investigation found the fuel selector on the left tank with 25 gallons, while the right tank had only 3 ounces; the right magneto impulse spring was broken.

Incident Summary

A contractor ferrying an aircraft to Melbourne for the US Marshals Service experienced a loss of engine power while on a 3-mile final approach to Runway 4. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees and the ground during a forced landing.

Preflight and Maintenance

Prior to departure, an inspection and engine run-up revealed a magneto drop of 500–600 RPM. The left fuel tank was indicated as 3/4 full, and the right tank had approximately 15 gallons per the gauges. The pilot had maintenance performed that reduced the magneto drop to 200–250 RPM.

Engine Failure and Forced Landing

The pilot reported that the engine quit while on final approach. He stated that he switched the fuel selector to the other tank. The aircraft then struck trees and the ground.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of fuel system leaks. The fuel selector was found in the left tank position. The right tank contained 3 ounces of fuel, while the left tank held 25 gallons and appeared to be 3/4 full. Tests showed that the right fuel gauge was accurate, and the left gauge read low. During a test run, the right magneto drop was 700 RPM. The right magneto impulse spring was broken, allowing internal timing to vary.

Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Feb 1989 Cessna T210L accident near Melbourne, FL?

A ferry flight experienced an engine failure on final approach, resulting in a forced landing. Investigation found the fuel selector on the left tank with 25 gallons, while the right tank had only 3 ounces; the right magneto impulse spring was broken.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Feb 1989 involved a Cessna T210L, registration N81859, operated by Stambaugh's Air Service, at Melbourne, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ACCURATELY DETERMINE FUEL QUANTITY PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FOLLOWED BY HIS FAILURE TO OPERATE THE ENGINE ON THE FULLEST FUEL TANK RESULTING IN A FUEL TANK BEING RUN DRY RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE WHILE ON SHORT FINAL APPROACH AT HIS DESTINATION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27761. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.