# NTSB FTW01LA096: Cessna T210M, N555HG, Abilene, TX, April 6, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 6, 2001, 18:44 local (23:44 UTC) - Place: Abilene, TX - Coordinates: 32.340217, -99.670471 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.3402&lon=-99.6705&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 9, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 52052 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW01LA096 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/52052/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01LA096 ## Probable cause the loss of engine power while on final approach due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper use of the fuel selector. A contributing factor was the elevated runway edge. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause) - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause) - checklist - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - Gear collapsed, landing - roll - terrain condition - other (contributing factor) ## Analysis While on final approach to the runway, the pilot "neglected to switch from the right empty tank to [the] left tank, which was 1/2 full." The pilot stated that at about 100 feet above the ground, on short final, the engine "ran out of gas." He switched to the left fuel tank, "hit the boost pump, full throttle and mixture;" however, he could not restart the engine. A forced landing was initiated, and the airplane touched down approximately 30 feet short of the runway. During the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed as it hit the 6-inch lip of the runway pavement. The airplane came to a stop upright on the runway about 65 yards from the approach end. ## Factual narrative On April 6, 2001, at 1844 central daylight time, a Cessna T210M airplane, N555HG, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during landing near Abilene, Texas. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated from the Dallas Air Park Airport, Dallas, Texas, at 1700. The pilot reported that while on final approach for runway 17, after receiving clearance to land, he "neglected to switch from the right empty tank to [the] left tank which was 1/2 full." He stated that at about 100 feet above the ground, on short final, the engine "ran out of gas." He switched to the left fuel tank, "hit the boost pump, full throttle and mixture;" however, he could not restart the engine. A forced landing was initiated, and the airplane touched down approximately 30 feet short of the runway. During the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed as it hit the 6-inch lip of the runway pavement. The airplane came to a stop upright on the runway, about 65 yards from the approach end. The FAA inspector reported that the nose landing gear was folded aft, and the firewall was damaged. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N555HG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N555HG-2002-08-21), registration cancelled 2002-08-21, S/N 21062929, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna T210M - Registry model: [Cessna T210M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-t210m) (registry code 2073451) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-520-series) (registry code 17040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 21062929 - Airframe hours: 3591 - Engines: Continental TSIO-520-R 310 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Pete G. Ledbetter - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: F69, Dallas, TX - Destination: ABI, Abilene, TX - Airport: ABI, Abilene Regional, runway 17R, 7,202 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 51; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review July 25, 1999; seat: left; flight hours: 1,138 total, 1,000 in this make and model, 1,044 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 160° at 18 knots, gusting 27 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 64 °F - Altimeter: 29.70 inHg - Observed at: ABI ## 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 20010406007349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010406007349A), Apr 6, 2001: Cessna T210M, Abilene, TX, No damage. (-23)On April 6, 2001, at 1844 central time Cessna T210M, N555HG, was substantially damaged landing on runway 17 at abi. The pilot stated that he neglected to… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.