On April 21, 2006, a Cessna T210L (registration N732AN) operated by Thomas L. Davidson was involved in an aviation accident near Henryville, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot selected an empty fuel tank during the approach which resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor associated with the accident were the trees that the airplane contacted during the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft registered N732AN. Photo: John Taggart from Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
During an ILS approach, the pilot switched fuel tanks, experienced a loss of engine power, and subsequently collided with trees and terrain. Examination revealed the left fuel tank was empty while the right held 19 gallons.
Accident Overview
The accident occurred during an instrument landing system (ILS) approach when the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The airplane subsequently collided with trees and then the terrain.
Flight Details
The pilot reported switching fuel tanks from the right to the left during the approach. After the switch, he noted a decrease in airspeed and no fuel flow indication on the fuel flow gauge. He then switched the fuel selector back to the right tank. The pilot stated that he broke out of the clouds at an altitude of 400 feet. After breaking out, he initiated a turn to align with a field. During this maneuver, the airplane contacted tree tops. The pilot reported that the airplane then contacted the ground as he continued to line up with the field.
Post-Accident Findings
A post-accident inspection of the airplane revealed that the left fuel tank was empty, while the right fuel tank contained approximately 19 gallons of fuel.
