FTW96TA186

The airplane was operating VFR above the clouds and was unable to locate Beaumont Municipal Airport due to the Beaumont VOR being out of service. The pilot contacted Houston Center and requested radar vectors to Jefferson County Airport, Beaumont, Texas. The pilot was issued an IFR clearance for the ILS Runway 12 approach at Jefferson County Airport. While on final approach, the airplane's engine lost power due to 'fuel exhaustion.' Attempts to restart the engine were not successful. During the attempted gear-up landing, the airplane's left wing struck a medium intensity approach light pole, which was located 1,700 feet from the approach end of runway 12. The flight had originated from New Orleans, Louisiana, about 4 hours 56 minutes before the accident. The fuel quantity gauge was checked for accuracy. Both tanks measured accurately from zero to full.

On April 28, 1996, about 0424 central daylight time, a Cessna T210N, N9403Y, registered to and operated by the U.S. Customs Service as a public use flight, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Beaumont, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a composite (IFR/VFR) flight plan was filed. The airline transport rated pilot and the air interdiction officer were not injured. The flight originated from Lakefront Airport, New Orleans, Louisiana, about 4 hours 56 minutes before the accident.

According to the operator, the airplane was operating VFR above the clouds and was unable to locate Beaumont Municipal Airport due to the Beaumont VOR being out of service. The pilot contacted Houston Center and requested radar vectors to Jefferson County Airport, Beaumont, Texas. The pilot was issued an IFR clearance for the ILS Runway 12 approach at Jefferson County Airport. While on final approach, the pilot reported the field in sight, and was cleared for a visual approach. At about 800 feet AGL, the airplane's engine lost power due to "fuel exhaustion." Attempts to restart the engine were not successful. During the attempted gear-up landing, the airplane's left wing struck a medium intensity approach light pole, which was located 1,700 feet from the approach end of runway 12. The fuel quantity gauge was checked for accuracy. Both tanks measured accurately from zero to full.

Examination of the airplane by the operator revealed that, the left wing leading edge was damaged 18 inches inboard from the wing tip. Two propeller blades were bent aft, and one propeller blade was separated at the hub. The nose landing gear was "bowed," and the fuselage aft of the cabin was "wrinkled."