Cessna T210M N732YK accident near Fort Collins, Colorado

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to select the fullest tank before landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot departed on the cross-country flight with 89 gallons of usable fuel on board. Four hours and 20 minutes after engine start up and while on final approach, the airplane's engine lost total power. Unable to make it to the runway, the pilot elected to land on a nearby road. During roll-out the airplane's left wing impacted a road sign, resulting in substantial damage. According to information downloaded from the airplane's fuel computer, the airplane had consumed 60.2 gallons of fuel at the time of the loss of engine power. An examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the right fuel tank contained approximately 25 gallons of fuel. The left tank contained residual fuel; however, it had been compromised during the accident. Fuel calculations indicate that the left tank would have contained less than four gallons when the loss of engine power occurred. The pilot reported that he approached to land with the fuel selector in the left tank position. The airplane's before-landing checklist states that the fullest tank is to be selected before landing. In addition, a required placard on the fuel selector states that the fullest tank is to be selected for takeoff and landing. Following the accident an engine run was performed with the right fuel tank selected. No anomalies were noted during the engine run.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA123 for the full record.