Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX97LA001

TRUCKEE, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N9403X

Cessna 210A

Analysis

The pilot departed for a personal flight with 25 gallons of fuel in the tanks. After cruising for about 36 minutes at 9,500 feet mean sea level all engine power was lost. The pilot reported that he was not able to restore engine power. He declared an emergency and initiated a forced landing on a road. On short final approach, the airplane collided with wires and crashed. Examination of the airplane and engine assembly disclosed no reason for the loss of engine power. An external fuel tank was connected to the airplane and the engine was successfully test run.

Factual Information

On October 10, 1996, at 1721 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 210A, N9403X, owned and operated by the pilot, experienced a total loss of engine power at 9,500 feet mean sea level. At the time, the pilot was cruising in the vicinity of the Squaw Valley VOR (navigational aid), near Truckee, California. The pilot declared an emergency and initiated a forced landing on a road. On short final approach, the airplane collided with wires and crashed. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private pilot received minor injuries and the passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The personal flight originated from Cameron Park, California, at 1645. The pilot indicated that when he took off the airplane had 25 gallons of fuel in its tanks. He reported that during the flight the "engine suddenly quit," and he was unable to restart it. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) coordinator examined the airplane and engine assembly and reported finding no reason for the loss of engine power. An external fuel tank was connected to the airplane, and the engine was successfully test run.

Probable Cause and Findings

a total loss of engine power for undetermined nonmechanical reasons.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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