CHI94LA047

A Cessna T210 sustained substantial damage when the private pilot performed a forced landing following a complete loss of engine power, as a result of fuel exhaustion.

On December 9, 1993, about 1804 eastern standard time (EST), a Cessna T210, N210MD, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power, approximately 5 miles south-southwest of Angola, Indiana's Tri-State Airport. An IFR flight plan was on file for the 14 CFR Part 91 business flight operating under visual meteorological conditions.

The pilot reported checking the fuel gauges on departure from Porter County Municipal Airport (VPZ), Valparaiso, Indiana to Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Cleveland, Ohio. The fuel gauges read at or near full level. On the return trip from CLE to VPZ, the pilot reported he felt the fuel level was lower than he expected. The private pilot requested new destination because 'we're low on fuel'. The controller noticed the aircraft descending through altitude limit of 2500 and restated the Fort Wayne, Indiana altimeter and to maintain 2500. At this time the pilot reported an engine failure. The aircraft glided to a forced landing in a farm field in Ashley, Indiana. The pilot-in- command and a pilot rated passenger were both seriously injured. The rear passenger received minor injuries.

Postaccident investigation found less than one pint of light blue colored fuel in each of the fuel tanks. No fuel stains were found on the upper wing surfaces near the filler caps. The fuel filler caps, seals and cap adapters appeared to be in good condition. The engine started normally and ran smoothly during a postaccident run-up.

The airframe was destroyed by impact with the terrain and subsequent ground skid of approximately 120 feet. The lower fuselage sustained impact damage, the three propeller blades were bent aft, and the wing tips bent down outboard of the flap outer end. Flight control continuity was confirmed.