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Casualties unknown

Engine Failure During Fourth Landing Leads to Transmission Line Collision (N1999R)

Watsonville, CA, US

On December 22, 1991, a Cessna 210K (registration N1999R) operated by Mercer Aviation, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Watsonville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately perform fuel calculations and service the aircraft before departure, which led to fuel exhaustion. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft engine failed after four hours of flight during the fourth landing, resulting in a collision with transmission lines and an off-airport landing due to inadequate fuel planning.

What happened

The pilot serviced the airplane's fuel tanks with a reduced fuel load before departing for a series of five planned flights. During the operation, the aircraft accumulated four hours of flight time. As the plane began its fourth landing, the engine failed unexpectedly. The loss of power caused the aircraft to collide with transmission lines, after which it landed off the airport.

The investigation

The investigation determined that the pilot failed to adequately perform fuel calculations and service the airplane before departing on the accident flight. This procedural error resulted in insufficient fuel availability for the duration of the flights.

Findings

  • fuel exhaustion
  • The pilot failed to adequately perform the fuel calculations and service the airplane before departing on the accident flight.
  • The engine failed after four hours of flight.
  • The airplane collided with transmission lines.
  • The airplane landed off the airport.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to adequately perform fuel calculations and service the aircraft before departure, which led to fuel exhaustion.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Dec 1991 Cessna 210K accident near Watsonville, CA?

An aircraft engine failed after four hours of flight during the fourth landing, resulting in a collision with transmission lines and an off-airport landing due to inadequate fuel planning.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Dec 1991 involved a Cessna 210K, registration N1999R, operated by Mercer Aviation, Inc, at Watsonville, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to adequately perform fuel calculations and service the aircraft before departure, which led to fuel exhaustion.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18622. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.