On May 20, 1998, a Cessna T210M (registration N6056B) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Barbara, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's mismangement of the fuel by the improper position of the fuel tank selector. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot of a single-engine aircraft ditched in water after the engine failed on final approach. The fuel selector was on the left tank, which was empty, while the right tank contained about 15 gallons of fuel.
Incident Overview
During the final leg of a flight, the pilot positioned the fuel selector to the left fuel tank. While on final approach, the engine lost power and ceased operating. The pilot, concluding that the fuel supply was exhausted, attempted unsuccessfully to restart the engine. He then maneuvered the aircraft away from a nearby beach and performed a ditching in the water.
Post-Incident Examination
Personnel involved in aircraft recovery reported that both fuel tanks remained intact. An examination of the tanks revealed that approximately 15 gallons of fuel were drained from the right tank, while no fuel was found in the left tank.
What happened in the 20 May 1998 Cessna T210M accident near Santa Barbara, CA?
The pilot of a single-engine aircraft ditched in water after the engine failed on final approach. The fuel selector was on the left tank, which was empty, while the right tank contained about 15 gallons of fuel.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 May 1998 involved a Cessna T210M, registration N6056B, at Santa Barbara, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's mismangement of the fuel by the improper position of the fuel tank selector.
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