Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Cruise Leads to Forced Landing Short of Airport (N5479A)

San Jose, CA, US

On September 1, 2007, a Cessna T210N (registration N5479A) operated by Richard F. Groger was involved in an aviation accident near San Jose, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply that resulted in fuel starvation. 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

A pilot made a forced landing short of an airport after losing engine power during cruise. The left fuel tank was exhausted; switching to the right tank did not restore power, and the aircraft struck trees about 1/4-mile from the runway.

Incident Overview

A forced landing occurred when the pilot of an aircraft experienced a loss of engine power during cruise flight. The aircraft struck trees approximately one-quarter mile short of the intended airport.

Sequence of Events

While en route, about 10 minutes before reaching the destination, the left fuel tank became exhausted. In an attempt to restart the engine, the pilot repositioned the fuel selector to the right fuel tank, which he believed contained at least 10 gallons of fuel. However, engine power was not regained. The pilot then executed a forced landing. During the landing, the aircraft impacted trees about 1/4-mile from the airport.

No further details about the aircraft, its occupants, or the extent of damage have been reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Sept 2007 Cessna T210N accident near San Jose, CA?

A pilot made a forced landing short of an airport after losing engine power during cruise. The left fuel tank was exhausted; switching to the right tank did not restore power, and the aircraft struck trees about 1/4-mile from the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Sept 2007 involved a Cessna T210N, registration N5479A, operated by Richard F. Groger, at San Jose, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply that resulted in fuel starvation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071004X01510. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.