Accident Details
On May 21, 2010, about 1030 mountain standard time, a Cessna 210A, registration N6630X, experienced a loss of engine power while on approach to Benson Municipal Airport (E95) in Benson, Arizona. The airplane subsequently collided with terrain during an off-airport landing, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The private pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight, which was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, had departed Benson about 1130. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported extending the downwind leg of the traffic pattern to test the landing gear warning system before turning to base leg. While initiating the turn to final, the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot scanned the gauges, confirmed the fuel selector valve was on the fullest fuel tank, turned on the boost pump, and attempted to restart the engine without success. Observing a nearby road, the pilot attempted to land on it, but the airplane landed short onto a ridge, shearing off both the left main landing gear and nose wheel landing gear. The airplane slid on its nose until coming to rest.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination by a certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic and a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the fuel system was tested. The diaphragm in the fuel manifold valve was found to be brittle and stiff. The engine-driven fuel pump had fuel stains, and the four screws securing the pump body were loose. When the pump was submerged in fuel and manually rotated at 2,000 rpm, it emitted fuel along with large air bubbles. After the screws were tightened, the pump flowed normally without air bubbles.
Aircraft Records
Aircraft records indicated that an annual inspection had been completed on February 1, 2010, with a reported tach time of 4,736.7 hours. The tach time at the time of the accident was 4,747.8 hours.