On July 25, 1994, a Cessna T210M (registration N823RH) was involved in an aviation accident near Tyler, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane lost power at about 500 feet AGL during takeoff. The pilot attempted to return to the runway but impacted in a gully east of the departure end. No fuel was found in the right tank and less than one gallon in the left. The fuel selector was in the right tank position. No fuel had been purchased after maintenance.
Accident Sequence
During takeoff, the airplane experienced a loss of power at approximately 500 feet above ground level. The pilot initiated a return to the runway, but the aircraft impacted terrain in a gully located on the east side of the departure end of the runway.
Fuel System Examination
Following the accident, an inspection of the fuel tanks revealed no fuel in the right tank and less than one gallon in the left tank. The fuel selector was found positioned to the right tank. No evidence of fuel spillage was observed at the accident site.
Preaccident Maintenance and Refueling
The aircraft had recently completed maintenance. The mechanic informed the pilot about the low fuel condition prior to the flight. A review of refueling records at the fixed base operator indicated that no fuel was purchased for the aircraft.