Cessna T210F N6162R accident near Peyton, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot’s fuel mismanagement that resulted in a complete loss of engine power during climb and subsequent impact with terrain during a forced landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during the climb after takeoff, the engine began to run rough. To restore full engine power, the pilot selected the left and right fuel tanks numerous times. The engine subsequently experienced a complete loss of power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field about one mile south of the airport during which the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A postaccident examination revealed the airplane’s left fuel tank contained useable fuel. The airplane’s right fuel was empty (except for unusable fuel), which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA341 for the full record.