On May 14, 1993, a Cessna 310D (registration N407CS) was involved in an aviation accident near Roseland, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power during cruise. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot lost engine power during cruise flight and landed on unsuitable terrain, striking fences and trees. Inspection revealed no fuel in the tanks or system.
What happened
The aircraft was operating during cruise flight when the engine suddenly lost power. With no ability to continue the flight, the pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing on terrain that was not suitable for such a maneuver. During this uncontrolled descent and impact, the airframe struck two fences and several small trees before coming to rest.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft at its final resting place. A critical examination of the fuel system was performed to determine the cause of the power loss. The inspection revealed that there was absolutely no fuel present in any of the fuel tanks or within the fuel system plumbing.
Findings
The absence of fuel in the tanks and lines indicates a complete depletion of the aircraft's fuel supply during flight. This lack of fuel directly resulted in the engine losing power, which necessitated the emergency landing on unsuitable terrain. The impact with fences and trees was a consequence of the forced landing rather than a mechanical failure of the airframe itself.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power during cruise.