Cessna P210 N731LT accident near Myerstown, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was flying the airplane to a nearby airport to obtain fuel. Before departing on the flight, he checked the fuel quantity using the onboard fuel totalizer and determined that both fuel gauges indicated adequate fuel for the intended flight. During the landing approach at the destination, the engine lost total power and the airplane impacted terrain short of the runway. The pilot reported that the loss of power was due to fuel starvation. A witness at the airport reported that the airplane made a "very sharp left-banking turn" as it flew overhead, then climbed steeply and made another sharp left turn to enter the traffic pattern for landing.

Examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies with the flight control system that would have prevented normal operation. No evidence of fuel was found in the engine-driven fuel pump filter; the filter was clean. There was no evidence of fuel in the lines between the engine-driven pump and engine gas producer. Before recovery from the accident site, less than 1 gallon of fuel was drained from the left wing tanks and less than 4 gallons of fuel was drained from the right wing fuel tanks.

The pilot’s operating handbook for the airplane stated that, when the fuel tanks were 1/4-full or less, prolonged uncoordinated flight, such as slips or skids, could uncover the fuel tank outlets, causing fuel starvation and engine stoppage. It is likely that given the airplane’s low fuel state, the abrupt maneuvers caused the fuel outlets to become uncovered, resulting in fuel starvation to the engine and a total loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19LA061 for the full record.