Cessna T210M N6181N accident near Wells, Nevada

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during the final landing approach for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The engine lost all power during the final landing approach following the fifth leg of the training flight. The pilot and flight instructor were unable to perform troubleshooting steps due to the airplane’s low altitude. Following a forced landing to a dirt field just short of the runway, the airplane nosed over. It was recovered the day after the accident. Although the left fuel tank was empty, the filler cap appeared to have been leaking, and it is therefore likely that the tank drained while the airplane remained inverted until it was recovered.

A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The engine sustained minimal damage during the accident and ran successfully during the examination.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA313 for the full record.