On March 7, 1991, a Cessna 210 (registration N747IE) operated by Henry H. Cutler was involved in an aviation accident near East Swanzey, NH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THIS AIRPLANE AND HIS INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT, WHICH RESULTED IN MISCALCULATIONS OF FUEL CONSUMPTION AND SUBSEQUENT FUEL EXHAUSTION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot purchased an airplane and embarked on a 600-mile trip without testing fuel consumption or visually checking fuel tanks. The engine quit near the destination, leading to a forced landing that struck a dirt bank. FAA exam found no fuel.
Incident Details
The pilot of a recently purchased airplane decided to make a 600-mile cross-country trip without first testing the fuel consumption characteristics of the aircraft. Prior to departure, the pilot did not visually inspect the fuel tanks. As the airplane approached its intended destination, the engine lost power. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane collided with a dirt bank.
Examination
Following the incident, an examination by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that the airplane's fuel tanks contained no fuel at the time of the accident. The pilot had accumulated approximately one hour of flight time in the specific airplane, registration N747IE, prior to embarking on the trip.
What happened in the 7 Mar 1991 Cessna 210 accident near East Swanzey, NH?
A pilot purchased an airplane and embarked on a 600-mile trip without testing fuel consumption or visually checking fuel tanks. The engine quit near the destination, leading to a forced landing that struck a dirt bank. FAA exam found no fuel.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Mar 1991 involved a Cessna 210, registration N747IE, operated by Henry H. Cutler, at East Swanzey, NH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THIS AIRPLANE AND HIS INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT, WHICH RESULTED IN MISCALCULATIONS OF FUEL CONSUMPTION AND SUBSEQUENT FUEL EXHAUSTION. FACTORS RELATED TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE: THE LEAKING OF FUEL CAPS, THE INACCURATE FUEL QUANTITY AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL FLIGHT EXPEREINCE.
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