Accident Overview
On April 6, 2014, at 1745 central daylight time, a Cessna T210M, registration N761BT, experienced a total loss of engine power while in cruise flight. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field near Lee's Summit, Missouri. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and both company commercial-rated pilots sustained serious injuries.
Flight and Operator Details
The airplane was registered to and operated by Mar-Tech Engineering LLC, operating under 14 CFR Part 91 as an aerial survey positioning flight. The flight originated from Jacksonville Executive Airport at Craig, Jacksonville, Florida, at 1303 eastern daylight time, with a destination of Lee's Summit Municipal Airport, Lee's Summit, Missouri.
Pilot Statements
The company chief pilot stated that the flight was being positioned to meet a cable company employee the following day for aerial survey work. Two pilots would be used during the survey: the left seat pilot as pilot-in-command and the right seat pilot as a survey equipment operator using a laptop. Pilots would alternate flying on flights.
The left seat pilot reported that after loading, filing a flight plan, and topping off all four tanks, they departed from KCRG. The flight proceeded normally except for a period of about ten minutes where manifold pressure fluctuated between 23 and 30 inches without pilot input, then leveled at 26.5 inches. The flight continued at 12,000 feet with the engine leaned per the POH. Approximately 12 miles from the airport, the pilot noticed fuel gauges reading lower than expected after 5.1 hours of flight. Less than 5 miles from the airport with visual contact of the runway, power was lost. The pilot found a field, lowered the gear, and ran through the checklist. The engine restarted briefly, allowing a climb, then lost power again about 2-3 miles from the airport. The pilot chose a field next to a baseball complex, banked hard to avoid obstacles, and landed firmly. Both pilots exited and were aided by first responders.
Fuel Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane and found the left tip tank contained about 1 gallon of fuel, the right tip tank about 1 gallon, the left main tank less than 2 ounces, the right main tank less than 2 ounces, and the fuel strainer bowl about 1 ounce of fuel.
Aircraft Damage and Controls
The airplane landed uphill on a soft field. Both wings collapsed, and wing flaps were extended to 10 degrees. The cockpit propeller and mixture controls were at forward stops, the throttle control was at the aft stop and bent laterally. The fuel selector was found in the off position, noted to have been placed there by an unknown first responder.
Shoulder Harness Information
The left seat pilot reported on Form 6120.1 that he did not use his shoulder harness and that a shoulder harness was not available. The chief pilot stated the airplane was equipped with shoulder harnesses, which was confirmed by the FAA inspector.
Pilot Injuries
The left seat pilot fractured two vertebrae in his lower back. The right seat pilot fractured his jaw and right foot/ankle.
Pilot Certificates
The left seat pilot reported holding a flight instructor certificate with single-engine, multiengine, and instrument ratings. The FAA had no record that either pilot held a flight instructor certificate.