Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 210 near Lake Arrowhead, CA — 2021-05-15

Final reportWPR21LA194
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Date
2021-05-15
Location
Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 210
Registration
N7350E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to a malfunction of the fuel flow manifold valve.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the engine lost partial, then total, power while flying over mountainous terrain. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a clearing, during which the airplane collided with vegetation and came to rest upright on a steep slope, resulting in substantial damage. Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel flow manifold valve failed to open when fuel pressure was applied on a test stand. The fuel flow manifold valve was disassembled; tooling marks were observed on the plunger, and the seal near the plunger was deformed and not seated flat on the manifold body. The plunger assembly and diaphragm were substituted in the fuel flow manifold valve, reattached to the test stand, and performed within manufacturer specifications. The malfunction of the fuel flow manifold likely resulted in the total loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land at an alternate airport earlier.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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