LAX05CA031

The pilot made a forced landing and touched down hard in an open, uneven dirt field about 6 miles from the destination airport. About 20 miles from the airport, the airplane's engine had sputtered, and the pilot repositioned the fuel selector to the opposite wing fuel tank. Thereafter, the engine operated smoothly until he contacted the tower for his approach. On approach, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. Responding rescue personnel reported that they observed no evidence of fuel in the airplane, and no evidence of fuel was in the ground surrounding the airplane. The pilot reported that he had not experienced any mechanical malfunction or failure during the accident flight. He also indicated that the accident could have been prevented had he topped off the main fuel tanks prior to initiating the flight.

On November 10, 2004, about 1600 Pacific standard time, a Cessna P210N, N6663P, experienced a total loss of engine power on approach to the North Las Vegas, Nevada, airport. With the landing gear intentionally retracted, the pilot made a forced landing in an open field, about 6 nautical miles northwest of the airport. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the commercial certificated pilot sustained minor injuries. The pilot was the sole occupant in the airplane, which he owned and operated. The business flight was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Hurricane, Utah, about 1 hour before the accident.

The pilot reported that about 20 miles from the North Las Vegas Airport, the engine sputtered, and he repositioned the fuel selector to the opposite wing fuel tank. Thereafter, the engine operated smoothly until he contacted the tower for his approach. About that time all engine power was lost. The pilot advised the tower that he was making a forced landing in a nearby field. Except for the initial contact with the ground, the touchdown was fairly smooth in the uneven dirt field. The airplane skidded between 50 and 75 feet before coming to a stop. There was no fire.

Responding rescue personnel reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that they observed no evidence of fuel in the airplane, and no evidence of fuel was in the ground surrounding the airplane. Subsequently, the pilot stated that he had not experienced any mechanical malfunction or failure during the flight. He also indicated that the accident could have been prevented had he topped off the main fuel tanks prior to his departure.