Accident Overview
On August 10, 2021, at approximately 1545 central daylight time, a Cessna 210D airplane, registration N3944Y, was substantially damaged in an accident near West Fargo, North Dakota. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported that the pilot initiated a go-around after an attempt to land on runway 18. During the go-around, the airplane banked to the right and the engine “cut out.” The airplane subsequently impacted a field west of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage.
On-Scene Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector conducted an on-scene examination of the airplane. The fuel selector was found in the left tank position. The left wing fuel tank contained approximately 8 gallons of fuel, while the right wing fuel tank held no useable fuel. The right wing had sustained impact damage, but no fuel was observed on the ground at the accident site, and there was no evidence of fuel leakage or staining on the airplane.
Engine and Fuel System Examination
A subsequent examination of the engine and fuel system revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Approximately 1/8 ounce of fuel was found in the fuel system forward of the fuel selector. All fuel system lines and components were intact, secure, and showed no evidence of leakage. The fuel vent system was unobstructed, and the fuel selector operated through its detents without anomaly.
Fuel Sender Resistance Checks
An ohmmeter was used to check the resistances of both fuel senders when their float arms were positioned at the top and bottom mechanical stops. The approximate resistance values for the left fuel sender bottom stop were 28 ohms, and for the right fuel sender bottom stop were 38 ohms. According to the aircraft manufacturer, the minimum resistance value for the fuel senders should be 33.5 ohms +/- 2 ohms.