On April 15, 1990, a Cessna T210 (registration N761YK) was involved in an aviation accident near Lafayette, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY MANAGE HIS FUEL SUPPLY, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported an engine problem after being cleared to a lower altitude. During final approach, a high sink rate developed and the aircraft crashed short of the runway. The pilot stated he typically ran one fuel tank dry before switching; after the engine lost power, he selected the other tank but could not restart the engine.
Incident Details
The flight was reported as routine until the pilot was cleared to a lower altitude. Shortly afterwards, the pilot informed the approach controller of an engine problem. The controller provided radar vectors to the nearest airport. As the pilot turned from base to final, he lowered the landing gear. A high sink rate developed and the flight crashed short of the runway.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that he typically ran one fuel tank dry before switching tanks. In this instance, the engine lost power and he selected the other tank. However, the engine would not respond when he attempted a restart. The pilot was aware of fuel in the left tank.
Fuel System Information
The engine was fuel injected. According to reports, loss of prime may have resulted in difficulty in restarting the engine.
What happened in the 15 Apr 1990 Cessna T210 accident near Lafayette, GA?
A pilot reported an engine problem after being cleared to a lower altitude. During final approach, a high sink rate developed and the aircraft crashed short of the runway. The pilot stated he typically ran one fuel tank dry before switching; after the engine lost power, he selected the other tank but could not…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Apr 1990 involved a Cessna T210, registration N761YK, at Lafayette, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY MANAGE HIS FUEL SUPPLY, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, DUE TO FUEL STARVATION.
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