Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Approach Leads to Off-Runway Landing and Nose-Over (N6029N)

Salt Lake City, UT, US

On November 16, 2005, a Cessna T210M (registration N6029N) operated by Patrick M. Gibbons was involved in an aviation accident near Salt Lake City, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper in-flight decision not to use the before landing checklist. A factor which contributed to the accident was the improper position of the mixture control. 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

During a turn from base to final, a pilot experienced an engine power loss after leaning the mixture and not using the before-landing checklist. The aircraft impacted ground 150 feet short of runway and nosed over.

Accident Details

An aircraft on approach to its destination airport experienced a loss of engine power during the turn from base leg to final. The pilot had previously leaned the mixture during en route flight. As the pilot noticed a decreasing airspeed during the turn, he advanced the throttle forward but received no response, and the engine subsequently lost power.

Sequence of Events

In response to the power loss, the pilot retracted the flaps from 20 degrees to the full up position to extend the glide. The aircraft then impacted the ground approximately 150 feet from the approach end of the runway and nosed over. The pilot stated that the mixture control was not set to the FULL RICH position for landing and that he did not use the BEFORE LANDING checklist, which instructs setting the mixture to RICH.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination of the aircraft, including an engine run, revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Nov 2005 Cessna T210M accident near Salt Lake City, UT?

During a turn from base to final, a pilot experienced an engine power loss after leaning the mixture and not using the before-landing checklist. The aircraft impacted ground 150 feet short of runway and nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Nov 2005 involved a Cessna T210M, registration N6029N, operated by Patrick M. Gibbons, at Salt Lake City, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper in-flight decision not to use the before landing checklist. A factor which contributed to the accident was the improper position of the mixture control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051209X01958. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.