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Casualties unknown

Pilot Lands Long After Fuel Transfer Pump Failure (N44C)

Grayslake, IL, US

On August 20, 1997, a Cessna P210 (registration N44C) was involved in an aviation accident near Grayslake, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: excessive airspeed and the pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point during landing. Factors associated with the accident were inadequate aircraft preflight and the ditch. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted to land after discovering inoperative fuel transfer pumps and low main tank fuel. Two approaches were high; the second landing was long and fast, resulting in the airplane departing the runway into a water-filled ditch.

Narrative

The pilot reported that during flight, the fuel level in the main tanks was getting low. He attempted to transfer fuel from the tip tanks, only to discover that the transfer pumps were inoperative. Deciding to land at the closest airport, he initiated an approach.

The first landing approach was high, so he performed a go-around. The second approach was also high, but he elected to land anyway instead of risking fuel exhaustion during another go-around. The airplane touched down long and fast. It traveled off the runway, where it contacted a 12-foot deep ditch that contained 3 feet of water.

No other information was provided in the source regarding the aircraft type, registration, or occupants.

Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Aug 1997 Cessna P210 accident near Grayslake, IL?

A pilot attempted to land after discovering inoperative fuel transfer pumps and low main tank fuel. Two approaches were high; the second landing was long and fast, resulting in the airplane departing the runway into a water-filled ditch.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Aug 1997 involved a Cessna P210, registration N44C, at Grayslake, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

excessive airspeed and the pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point during landing. Factors associated with the accident were inadequate aircraft preflight and the ditch.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08592. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.