What happened
On November 26, 2000, a private Cessna T-210-M, registration EC-EGN, was performing a local flight originating and terminating at the Muchamiel Aerodrome in Alicante, Spain. While descending through approximately 1,000 feet to enter the airfield's traffic pattern, the aircraft suffered a sudden and total loss of engine power. Although the propeller continued to rotate, the engine failed to maintain operation.
The pilot attempted to switch the fuel selector to the left tank, which was at half capacity, and followed established in-flight restart procedures. However, the engine failed to restart, and the aircraft's altitude dropped to 600 feet. Recognizing the imminent impact, the pilot instructed the four passengers on the emergency egress procedure and unlocked both cabin doors to ensure they would not be jammed by structural deformation upon impact. The aircraft ditched in the sea approximately 1,000 meters from the coast. All five occupants were uninjured and successfully evacuated the aircraft. They were rescued by a nearby inflatable boat that had witnessed the maneuver.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the engine and the availability of fuel. Post-accident inspections revealed that both fuel tanks contained sufficient quantities of fuel. The engine was recovered and underwent a functional test after being cleaned; the engine started and operated correctly without any component replacements.
Investigators examined meteorological data from the Alicante Airport, which indicated favorable conditions with no significant risk of carburetor icing. The investigation also considered the possibility of a momentary interruption in the fuel supply caused by a blockage in the fuel lines, though this could not be confirmed due to the cleaning process required to remove salt deposits from the wreckage.
Findings
- There was no evidence of mechanical failure within the engine itself, as the engine functioned normally during post-accident testing.
- Sufficient fuel was available in both tanks at the time of the incident.
- The exact cause of the engine failure could not be determined, though investigators noted the possibility of a temporary fuel supply obstruction or pilot error in manipulating the fuel, propeller, or engine control selectors.