Cessna 210 N6564X accident near Fowler'S Bluff, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate in-flight fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while in cruise flight about 3,000 feet above ground level, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot was unable to restart the engine and performed a forced landing. Subsequent examination revealed that the airplane's right main fuel tank was devoid of fuel and the left main fuel tank contained about 25 gallons of fuel. The fuel selector valve in the cockpit was found in the "OFF" position, and it was not possible to determine which fuel tank was selected when the engine lost power. Examination of the vegetation surrounding the accident location did not reveal any evidence of damage due to postaccident fuel leakage. Postaccident examination of the airplane, including an engine test run, did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Because the right tank had no fuel, it is likely that the fuel selector valve was selected to the right fuel tank, which resulted in all of the fuel in the right wing fuel tank being consumed and the subsequent total loss of engine power. Following the loss of engine power, even if the pilot had selected the left fuel wing tank, due to the airplane’s proximity to the ground, the fuel likely did not have time to reach the engine for an engine restart.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12LA306 for the full record.