On May 31, 1994, a Cessna 210L (registration N76GH) operated by Mercy Flight Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Pahokee, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPER POSITIONING OF THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND WHICH CAUSED AN ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FUEL STARVATION AT AN ALTITUDE TOO LOW FOR RESTART PROCEDURES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot practicing an instrument approach with a safety observer experienced an engine failure. After an unsuccessful restart attempt, the airplane was forced to land on a lake. Post-recovery inspection revealed the right fuel tank was empty and the fuel selector was positioned on the left tank, which contained 18 gallons of fuel. The engine later ran normally with fuel supplied to the lines.
Incident Description
A pilot was practicing an instrument approach with a safety observer on board when the engine failed. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. Subsequently, the pilot executed a forced landing onto a lake.
Aircraft Recovery and Fuel Inspection
The airplane was recovered after the incident. Inspection of the fuel system revealed that the right fuel tank contained no fuel, while the left tank held 18 gallons. The fuel selector was found in the left tank position.
Engine Test
After the aircraft was recovered, the engine was dried. With fuel provided to the fuel lines, the engine ran successfully on both the right and left fuel selector positions.