Cessna T210L N21ME accident near Lake Providence, Louisiana

Probable cause

The pilot's mismanagement of available fuel and incorrect use of the fuel boost pump which resulted in a total loss of engine power at a low altitude.

NTSB analysis

The pilot departed for a nearby private airstrip for an expected 12-minute flight. During cruise flight, at 500 feet above the ground , the left fuel tank was low on fuel so the pilot switched the fuel selector to the right fuel tank. After the engine began to "sputter," the pilot turned on the fuel boost pump; however, the problem continued until the engine lost power. He then elected to conduct a forced landing into a field. During the landing, the landing gear touched down on the wet ground, and the airplane nosed over. Examination of the airplane revealed that the left fuel tank was empty and the right fuel tank contained an undetermined amount of fuel. There was no evidence of any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot's application of the fuel boost pump likely flooded the engine with fuel after switching fuel tanks, causing the engine to lose power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA076 for the full record.