Casualties unknown

1996-07-31: Cessna 210L (N397MS) — Nasby Wynn — Sarasota, FL

Sarasota, FL, US

On July 31, 1996, a Cessna 210L (registration N397MS) operated by Nasby Wynn was involved in an aviation accident near Sarasota, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel tanks resulting in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A factor was 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot relied on fuel gauges without visual inspection, resulting in total engine power loss. The aircraft collided with trees during a forced landing and came to rest inverted; fuel tanks were empty and undamaged.

Event Overview

A single-engine airplane experienced a total loss of engine power while on the base leg of a full-stop landing approach. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing into a residential area. During the landing, the aircraft struck trees, nosed over, and came to rest in an inverted position.

Preflight and Flight Details

According to the pilot, the preflight inspection did not include a visual check of the fuel tanks. Instead, fuel quantity was determined solely by referencing the cockpit fuel gauges. After departing, the pilot performed a touch-and-go landing, then continued for a full-stop landing.

Forced Landing and Post-Impact Condition

The forced landing occurred in a residential neighborhood. Upon impact with trees, the aircraft nosed over and ultimately rested upside down. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel tanks were not ruptured and contained no fuel. The absence of fuel indicates fuel exhaustion, consistent with the reported reliance on gauge indications rather than visual confirmation.

Injury and Damage Assessment

The source does not specify any injuries or fatalities. The aircraft structure sustained damage from the impact, including the nose-over attitude. No further details on damage extent are provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06328. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.