Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 210 near Coeur d'Alene, ID — 2010-07-05

Final reportWPR10LA331
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Date
2010-07-05
Location
Coeur d'Alene, ID, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 210
Registration
N8133G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during cruise flight for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that after leveling off at cruise altitude the engine suddenly quit producing power. He immediately switched the fuel selector from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank, pushed the throttle and mixture to full open and full rich, and activated the electric boost pump. Unable to restart the engine, the pilot initially turned toward a local airport but realized that he couldn't make that airport; he then diverted to an interstate highway. During the touchdown between cars, the airplane veered against the center guard rail and skidded about 500 feet before coming to rest in the median. The left wing, empennage and left horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged. During the postaccident examination of the engine, no mechanical malfunctions or failures were noted that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured adequate fuel before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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