On October 10, 1998, a Cessna 210A (registration N9449X) was involved in an aviation accident near Provo, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine was flooded when the pilot quickly pushed the throttle in. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flooded the engine during approach, resulting in a total power loss and subsequent ditching in Utah Lake just short of runway 36.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was low on the approach to runway 36 when he quickly pushed the throttle in, resulting in a total power loss. He then turned the fuel pump to HIGH boost and pushed the mixture to full rich before pulling it back to idle cut-off. The engine sputtered momentarily. Despite attempts to restart the engine, it remained inoperative. The airplane was ditched in Utah Lake, just short of the approach end of runway 36.
Post-Accident Findings
After the accident, the engine was functionally tested and operated satisfactorily at all power settings. A mechanic informed the pilot that he had flooded the engine when he quickly pushed the throttle in.
Probable cause
The engine was flooded when the pilot quickly pushed the throttle in.