On May 20, 1996, a Cessna P210N (registration N731NC) was involved in an aviation accident near Carrollton, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate fuel management. Factors in this accident were the pilot's reliance on a fuel data computer and his untimely reaction to a known fuel quantity discrepancy. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported fuel exhaustion after engine power loss, with no fuel found at the accident site despite a computer indication of 12 gallons remaining.
Flight and Fuel Details
According to the pilot, the airplane was carrying 89 gallons of low lead aviation fuel at takeoff. The flight proceeded as planned until the pilot, nearing his destination, decided to land at an airport within 50 miles to refuel.
Engine Power Loss
Within miles of that airport, the engine lost power. The FAA inspector reported that the pilot and two passengers stated the airplane had run out of fuel.
Fuel Quantity Indications
The pilot said he suspected a fuel quantity problem when his fuel gauges began bouncing, even though his fuel computer indicated 12 gallons remaining.
Post-Accident Inspection
The FAA inspector's report noted no indication of fuel in the tanks or on the ground at the accident site.