# NTSB LAX86LA149: Cessna T210N, N5256A, Phoenix, AZ, March 21, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 21, 1986, 11:49 local (18:49 UTC)
- Place: Phoenix, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.430065, -112.009544 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4301&lon=-112.0095&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25099
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA149
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25099/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA149

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING INSTRUMENT APPROACHES AND REPORTED TO THE CONTROL TOWER THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. DURING THE ATTEMPTED FORCED LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK POWER LINES AND CRASHED INVERTED IN A RIVER BED TWO MILES WEST OF THE AIRPORT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT WING FUEL TANK CONTAINED NO FUEL AND THAT THE LEFT WING FUEL TANK WAS FULL. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND POSITIONED TO THE RIGHT WING FUEL TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5256A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5256A-1988-04-06), registration cancelled 1988-04-06, S/N 21063330 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA T210N
- Registry model: [Cessna T210N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-t210n) (registry code 2073456) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 210-63330
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-R 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: Unknown
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Sawyer Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 21, 1986, 1 hours before
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: PHX, Sky Harbor, runway 8R, 11,001 × 150 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 283 total, 24 in this make and model, 207 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PHX, 2 nm away

## 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 19860321007449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860321007449A), Mar 21, 1986: Cessna T210N, Phoenix, AZ, Substantial damage. Engine failed from fuel starvation. Aircraft hit powerline during forced landing. Pilot neglected to switch tanks.

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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