# NTSB DEN83LA158: Cessna T21OL, N2317S, Saratoga, WY, July 4, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 4, 1983, 09:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Saratoga, WY
- Coordinates: 41.44918, -106.810867 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4492&lon=-106.8109&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16108
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN83LA158
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16108/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA158

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - wheels up landing - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING A SIGHT-SEEING FLT AT APRX 7000 FT MSL (500 FT AGL), THE ENGINE LOST POWER ABOUT 15 MIN AFTER THE PLT SWITCHED FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT MAIN TANK & DESCENDED FROM A HIGHER ALTITUDE. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE PLANE WAS DAMAGED DURING A WHEELS UP LANDING ON HILLY TERRAIN. APRX 18 GAL OF FUEL WAS FOUND REMAINING IN THE RIGHT TANK. NO PREIMPACT/MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE WAS FOUND. ALL APPLICABLE AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES & SERVICE BULLETIN WERE COMPLIED WITH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2317S (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA T21OL
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 21OL-61244
- Airframe hours: 1303
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TIO-520 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gary A. Welton
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 1, 1983, 78 hours before
- Departed: SAA, SARATOGA, WY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 7,745 total, 1,429 in this make and model, 7,745 as pilot in command, 62 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 100 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19830704027909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830704027909A), Jul 4, 1983: Cessna T210L, Saratoga, WY, Substantial damage. Crash occurred during emergency landing in mountainous terrain.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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