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Engine Failure in Cessna T-210-M During Cruise Flight (N732VS)

Soda Springs, CA, US

On August 17, 1990, a Cessna T210M (registration N732VS) operated by Dunn, William G was involved in an aviation accident near Soda Springs, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO INADEQUATE VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM (INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE/SERVICE) AND INCORRECT FUEL GRADE. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. 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 Cessna T-210-M experienced engine failure during cruise. The pilot reported fuel delivery problems since a factory rebuilt engine was installed 14 hours earlier. No compliance with fuel system vapor-related ADs was found, and fuel samples did not meet specifications.

Incident Overview

The pilot of a Cessna T-210-M reported an engine failure while the aircraft was in cruise flight. The pilot stated that he had been experiencing engine problems associated with fuel delivery since the installation of a factory rebuilt engine 14 hours prior to the accident.

Fuel System Issues

According to the investigation, there was no record of compliance with an airworthiness directive (AD) related to vapor problems. Additionally, the optional Cessna Service Kit SK-210-99A, which provides a fuel system vent line modification, had not been accomplished. The aircraft also lacked a record of compliance with AD 80-04-09, which addresses fuel system vapor control.

Fuel Quality

Fuel sample testing determined that the fuel did not meet ASTM D910 requirements for aviation gasoline, indicating contamination or improper fuel grade.

Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Aug 1990 Cessna T210M accident near Soda Springs, CA?

A Cessna T-210-M experienced engine failure during cruise. The pilot reported fuel delivery problems since a factory rebuilt engine was installed 14 hours earlier. No compliance with fuel system vapor-related ADs was found, and fuel samples did not meet specifications.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Aug 1990 involved a Cessna T210M, registration N732VS, operated by Dunn, William G, at Soda Springs, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO INADEQUATE VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM (INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE/SERVICE) AND INCORRECT FUEL GRADE. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24055. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.