Accident Overview
On January 10, 2019, at approximately 1650 central standard time, a Cessna T210L airplane, registered as N2391S, was substantially damaged during an accident near Port Lavaca, Texas. The pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Sequence of Events
According to information from the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot was flying at 2,800 feet mean sea level on a base leg to runway 14 at Calhoun County Airport (PKV) in Port Lavaca when the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot switched fuel tanks and attempted to restart the engine twice, then turned on the fuel pump. Engine power was not restored, prompting the pilot to prepare for a forced landing in a field.
Upon touchdown, the nose gear sank into the soft soil, causing the airplane to nose over and come to rest inverted. The pilot and passenger egressed from the aircraft with minor injuries.
Post-Accident Examination
Due to a U.S. Government furlough and wet conditions at the accident site, the airplane remained inverted for approximately six weeks before recovery. An examination of the engine after recovery revealed no anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. Trace fuel was found in the fuel lines, but because of the delayed recovery and the inverted position of the aircraft, fuel quantity and quality could not be verified.
Probable Cause
The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.