On August 26, 1993, a Cessna T210N (registration N6142Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Springdale, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION AND THE IMPROPER USE OF THE FUEL SELECTOR. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE CHECKLIST, AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During final approach, the engine lost power due to fuel starvation after both legs were flown on the right tank. The pilot had calculated but not visually confirmed fuel quantity. The airplane impacted a pole and came to rest in a parking lot.
Accident Sequence
Prior to departure for a 30-minute flight, the pilot computed that the fuel cells contained 44 gallons of fuel. However, the pilot did not visually confirm this quantity. Both legs of the flight were conducted using only the right fuel tank. During final approach, the engine lost power due to fuel starvation. The pilot then moved the fuel selector to the left tank and engaged the auxiliary fuel pump. The pilot stated that the engine did not restart because of fuel vapor lock.
Post-Accident Findings
After the accident, examination revealed that the right fuel cell was empty, while the left fuel cell contained fuel. The manufacturer's before-landing checklist required the use of the fullest tank for landing.
Accident Location
The airplane collided with a pole and came to rest in a parking lot about three-quarters of a mile from the runway threshold.
What happened in the 26 Aug 1993 Cessna T210N accident near Springdale, AR?
During final approach, the engine lost power due to fuel starvation after both legs were flown on the right tank. The pilot had calculated but not visually confirmed fuel quantity. The airplane impacted a pole and came to rest in a parking lot.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Aug 1993 involved a Cessna T210N, registration N6142Y, at Springdale, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION AND THE IMPROPER USE OF THE FUEL SELECTOR. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE CHECKLIST, AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…