Summary
On May 3, 2023, about 1835 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 210M, registration N777CF, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Pasco, Washington. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Factual Narrative
The pilot reported that he departed Richland Airport (RLD), Richland, Washington, and was destined for Tri-Cities Airport (PSC), Pasco, Washington—the airplane’s home airport. While on the base leg for runway 21L, at about 85 knots airspeed, the engine lost total power. The pilot initiated an emergency landing to an off-airport site. During the rollout, the airplane contacted road signs, which substantially damaged the left and right wings and the right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that the airplane had just undergone an annual inspection and that there were about 66 gallons of fuel in the wing tanks for the 10-mile flight.
Investigation Findings
Data recovered from the engine data monitor (EDM) revealed engine performance parameters for the 30-minute accident flight. The data showed consistent operation throughout the takeoff, climb, enroute-cruise, and descent phases. During the last minute of the flight, all cylinder head temperatures, all exhaust gas temperatures, and the fuel flow and fuel psi reduced in value consistent with a total loss of power.
The engine was examined and prepared for a test run. Attempts to test run the engine resulted in the engine running for about 2 to 3 seconds before losing power; fuel was observed puddling under the airplane. Further examination revealed the fuel servo outlet line was loosely attached to the fuel servo fitting. No additional anomalies were noted with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Maintenance Background
A review of the maintenance logbooks revealed that the airplane had undergone a 100-hour inspection that was signed off by the shop’s airframe and powerplant mechanic, and an annual inspection signed off by a shop employee with inspection authorization. According to the mechanic who performed the 100-hour inspection, while working on the airplane, he mistakenly installed the battery leads on the wrong battery posts. This action resulted in additional maintenance, including removing and replacing the alternator and voltage regulator, and removing and repairing the Garmin GTN750 and the transponder. According to the Director of Maintenance, the shop used online digital maintenance manuals and he could see no reason the fuel line would have been disturbed when removing or reinstalling the alternator. A review of the Cessna Maintenance Manual instructions for removal of the alternator did not direct removal of the fuel servo outlet line. Maintenance records did not show maintenance performed on the fuel servo or fuel outlet line going back as far as the installation of the rebuilt engine around November 8, 2016.