Accident Details
The accident occurred approximately 18 miles west of Grand Junction, Colorado. The pilot had departed from North Las Vegas Airport. While en route, the engine lost power, necessitating a forced landing. The aircraft touched down in an onion field, struck a pile of onions, and nosed over.
Pilot Report
In his accident report, the pilot stated that prior to departure he did not visually inspect the fuel but instead inserted his finger into the fuel tank to feel for fuel (though the report also indicates he claimed to have visually inspected the fuel). He reported that the aircraft had 62 gallons of fuel on board. According to the Airplane Owner's Manual, standard fuel tanks hold 65 gallons, with 58 gallons usable.
The pilot indicated that he cruised at 9,500 feet mean sea level (msl) using a power setting of 18-19 inches of manifold pressure and 2,300 rpm, with the mixture leaned. The cruise performance chart for the Cessna 207 at 10,000 feet shows that the engine should develop between 48 and 51 percent of its rated horsepower (300 hp) and consume between 10.3 and 11.0 gallons of fuel per hour. This yields a range of 695 miles and an endurance of 5.3 to 5.6 hours. The pilot's accident report notes that the aircraft had been aloft for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes at the time of the power loss.
Examination
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft at the accident site and reported that it had been inverted prior to his arrival. After the aircraft was placed upright, the inspector found no evidence of fuel in the fuel tanks, no fuel stains on the ground, and no fuel dye stains on the wings. Additionally, there was no odor of fuel in the surrounding area.
The pilot stated that although he had flown other Cessna single-engine models, this was his first experience operating a Cessna 207.