# NTSB LAX85FA102: Cessna T210L, N210NF, Hesperia, CA, January 10, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 10, 1985, 12:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Hesperia, CA
- Coordinates: 34.360198, -117.320793 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.3602&lon=-117.3208&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24456
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FA102
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24456/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA102

## 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
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (contributing factor)
  - checklist - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT REPTD THAT SHORTLY AFTER ENTERING THE DOWNWIND LEG FOR RY 03 HE COMPLETED THE PRELANDING CHECKLIST. WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH THE ACFT EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWE. THE ACFT ALTITUDE WAS TOO LOW TO NEGOTIATE A LANDING ON THE RY & THE PLT ELECTED TO LAND ADJACENT TO A ROAD ABOUT 1/4 MILES SOUTHWEST OF THE APPROACH END OF THE RY. PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND IN THE RIGHT FUEL TANK POSITION. THE RIGHT FUEL TANK & ITS ASSOCIATED FUEL TANK RESRVOIR WERE EMPTY. THE FUEL TANK SYSTEM WAS NOT COMPROMISED. NO FUEL WAS FOUND THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM. THE LEFT WING FUEL TANK CONTAINED ABOUT 32 GALLONS OF FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N210NF](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N210NF-2003-10-17), registration cancelled 2003-10-17, S/N 21060043, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA T210L
- Registry model: [Cessna T210L](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-t210l) (registry code 2073449) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-520-series) (registry code 17040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 21060043
- Airframe hours: 18582
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-R 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: R.K. Wiener, & Partners
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1984, 110 hours before
- Departed: TOA, TORRANCE, CA
- Airport: L26, Hesperia, runway 3, 3,950 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,260 total, 826 in this make and model, 2,240 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 25 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 19850110000509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850110000509A), Jan 10, 1985: Cessna T210L, Hesperia, CA, Destroyed. Struck joshua tree and ground after engine quit on final approach. Fuel selector on empty tank.

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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