On February 12, 1991, a Cessna 210L (registration N210YB) operated by Pesa Sales Co., Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Brownsville, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO HIS DEPARTURE ON THE LAST LEG OF THE FLIGHT, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a power loss while on a two-mile final approach and touched down short, striking a fence and ditch before stopping against the airport perimeter fence. Investigation found about one gallon of fuel remaining.
Incident Overview
A pilot returning from a round robin cross-country flight encountered a power loss while on a two-mile final approach to the destination airport. The pilot reported the power loss to the tower and indicated that he believed sufficient fuel remained to reach the airport.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft touched down short of the runway, colliding with a fence and a ditch. The airplane then slid to a stop against the airport perimeter fence.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination of the fuel system revealed that approximately one gallon of fuel remained in the entire system.
What happened in the 12 Feb 1991 Cessna 210L accident near Brownsville, TX?
A pilot experienced a power loss while on a two-mile final approach and touched down short, striking a fence and ditch before stopping against the airport perimeter fence. Investigation found about one gallon of fuel remaining.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Feb 1991 involved a Cessna 210L, registration N210YB, operated by Pesa Sales Co., Inc., at Brownsville, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO HIS DEPARTURE ON THE LAST LEG OF THE FLIGHT, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION.
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