Pilot Debrief

CESSNA T210L near Romeoville, IL — 2011-06-26

Final reportCEN11FA425
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Date
2011-06-26
Location
Romeoville, IL, USA
Airport
LOT
Aircraft
CESSNA T210L
Registration
N732BX
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate fuel planning.

NTSB narrative

According to the passenger, the pilot had successfully completed two touch-and-go landings, and during the climbout, the engine lost power. The airplane impacted trees, a power line, and terrain. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no fuel in the wing fuel tanks, and the gascolator only contained about 2 ounces of fuel. Only a trace amount of fuel was found in the engine’s fuel manifold valve. The passenger said that the pilot had drained the fuel sumps, but he did not recall whether the pilot had fueled the airplane. A subsequent examination and operational test of the airplane’s engine was performed. No defects in engine operation were detected and the engine produced full rated power during the test.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not confirm fuel was added before takeoff after draining sumps.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 13 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents13

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