Accident Overview
On December 18, 2011, at approximately 1200 eastern standard time, a Cessna T210L (registration N717KW) suffered a complete loss of engine power during a personal flight. The pilot executed a forced landing on a road about 11 miles from the intended destination, Airglades Airport (2IS) in Clewiston, Florida. The airplane came to rest submerged in a canal and sustained minor skin damage. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
Flight History
The flight departed North Perry Airport (HWO) in Hollywood, Florida, around 1115. The pilot reported that while cruising at 2,500 feet, the airplane began losing altitude. He switched fuel tanks, but the descent continued. He decided to land on a dirt road but noticed a powerline, which altered his landing decision; the airplane subsequently entered a canal. Eyewitnesses broke the rear cabin window to assist the pilot in exiting.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector noted that the airplane was submerged in a freshwater canal with only the left wing visible. Flight control continuity was confirmed to all surfaces. The cockpit fuel selector valve was positioned on the left fuel tank. The left tank was empty; approximately 2 gallons of fuel were drained from the right tank. The engine fuel lines contained no fuel. The pilot reported having 15 to 18 gallons of fuel at departure. Handwritten paperwork found in the cockpit indicated 14 gallons onboard, a tachometer time of 578.6 hours, and a departure time of 1115. The tachometer at the accident scene read 579.4 hours.
Aircraft Performance Data
According to the Cessna Turbo Centurion Owner's Manual (Chapter 6), the airplane consumes about 20 pounds of fuel during a climb to 2,500 feet and between 56 and 98 pounds per hour in cruise, depending on power setting.
Environmental Observations
Personnel from the South Florida Water Management District reported no fuel or oil residue around the submerged aircraft.