Engine Power Loss and Landing
The aircraft experienced a loss of engine power during the final approach, resulting in a landing short of the runway on uneven terrain.
Fuel Examination
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed approximately 1-2 quarts of fuel remaining in the left tank and 6-7 gallons in the right tank. The left fuel quantity gauge indicated 5 gallons remaining in the left tank.
Pilot Statements
The private pilot and the check pilot stated that the left tank was in use when the engine lost power. They noted that the 44-gallon left tank was full during the preflight inspection, and that they operated on the left tank for a total of 1 hour and 40 minutes during the flight.
Aircraft Maintenance and History
According to the airframe log, the fuel gauges had been recently recalibrated. The pilot, who recently purchased the aircraft, noted that the aircraft had previous problems with in-flight fuel siphoning, which were reportedly fixed.
The investigation also revealed that the left wing was from an older model 210. The airframe maintenance records contained no record of any major repairs or modifications.
According to NTSB files, the aircraft was involved in an accident in 1984. It was reported as scrapped to the FAA in 1985, and re-registered in 1987.