Casualties unknown

1989-07-17: Cessna T210 (N761JA) — Desert Aircraft Sales — Chandler, AZ

Chandler, AZ, US

On July 17, 1989, a Cessna T210 (registration N761JA) operated by Desert Aircraft Sales was involved in an aviation accident near Chandler, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUAT PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION AND THE IMPROPER FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISIONS, IE. IMPROPER FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS, BY THE PIC. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane on a ferry permit due to prior electrical loss and landing gear issues suffered an engine stoppage near the destination, leading to a forced landing and hard impact. Post-accident inspection found no fuel in the tanks.

Background

The airplane was operating on a ferry permit following a previous flight where the electrical system was completely lost. During that earlier flight, the right landing gear failed to extend, and the airplane landed on its nose and left landing gear.

Ferry Flight

Temporary repairs were made after the previous incident. For the ferry flight, 20 gallons of fuel were added to the left fuel tank, bringing the total to 35 gallons. The right fuel tank remained empty. The ferry flight was conducted with the landing gear extended and without electrical power.

Forced Landing

As the airplane approached the destination airport, the engine ceased to produce power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field, during which the airplane impacted the ground hard.

Post-Accident Inspection

A post-accident inspection revealed that both fuel tanks were empty.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28868. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.