On June 16, 1994, a Cessna T210N (registration N199CH) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Teresa, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue with a touch-and-go landing despite an indication of impending engine trouble, which resulted in a forced landing due to engine failure caused by a nonfunctional engine-driven fuel pump. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft lost engine power while entering downwind for a second touch-and-go landing, forcing the pilot to execute an emergency landing across a taxiway exit at a sharp angle.
What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was preparing for a second touch-and-go landing. As the pilot entered the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine suddenly lost power and failed to restart. With no option to return to the runway for a normal approach, the pilot initiated a forced landing. The initial touchdown occurred across a taxiway or runway exit, striking the ground at approximately 90 degrees relative to the runway heading. The aircraft's ground roll continued until it came to rest in a nearby ditch.
The investigation
Following the accident, an FAA inspector conducted a thorough examination of the aircraft's engine. The inspection revealed that the engine-driven fuel pump was nonfunctional. This mechanical failure prevented the proper delivery of fuel to the engine, leading to the loss of power during the critical phase of flight.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue with a touch-and-go landing despite an indication of impending engine trouble, which resulted in a forced landing due to engine failure caused by a nonfunctional engine-driven fuel pump.