Accident Details
On June 14, 2021, at approximately 0700 mountain daylight time, a Cessna T210L, registration N30286, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Buena Vista, Colorado. The pilot reported minor injuries, and the pilot-rated passenger was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Actions
While flying over mountainous terrain near the destination airport, the pilot observed that the engine temperature and fuel flow gauges dropped immediately, and the engine lost partial power. Describing the power loss as similar to someone retarding the throttle, the pilot instantly advanced the throttle and activated the auxiliary fuel pump to the high position. These actions did not restore engine power. The pilot then attempted to restart the engine, including a hot start procedure, but was unsuccessful. Identifying a flat, treeless area, the pilot conducted a forced landing. During the landing, the landing gear separated, and the airplane came to rest upright. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage, firewall, and left outboard wing.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine-driven fuel pump revealed that one of its two carbon vanes had fractured in half. No debris was found in the pump housing. Investigators found no other preaccident failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane or engine.
Manufacturer's Statement
According to the engine manufacturer, operation of the pump with a severed vane would likely cause fuel cavitation, leading to a drop in pump outlet pressure and potentially a gradual decrease in engine rpm.