# NTSB LAX86LA327: Cessna P210N, N4831A, Coalinga, CA, August 22, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 21, 1986, 19:30 local (Aug 22, 1986, 02:30 UTC)
- Place: Coalinga, CA
- Coordinates: 36.190395, -120.390953 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1904&lon=-120.3910&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25236
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA327
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25236/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA327

## 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 - exhaustion (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - precautionary landing - delayed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ground (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE FLIGHT WAS A REPOSITIONING FLIGHT BACK TO THE AIRCRAFT'S HOME BASE AT THE CONCLUSION OF AN ON DEMAND AIR TAXI FLIGHT. THE PILOT SAID THAT HE DEPARTED WITHOUT VISUALLY CHECKING THE FUEL TANK LEVEL. THE PILOT SAID THE FUEL GAUGES INDICATED ONE HALF TANKS AND HE 'THOUGHT THE QUANTITY WAS SUFFICIENT TO COMPLETE THE RETURN FLIGHT.' ENROUTE, THE PILOT BECAME CONCERNED WITH THE FUEL STATE OF THE AIRCRAFT AND DIVERTED TO THE COALINGA AIRPORT. ON FINAL APPROACH THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND THE AIRCRAFT LANDED GEAR UP IN A PLOWED FIELD ABOUT 1 MILE SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. INSPECTION FOUND THE FUEL SYSTEM INTACT AND A TOTAL OF BOUT 3 PINTS OF FUEL IN ALL OF THE FUEL TANKS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4831A (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA P210N
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: P21000824
- Airframe hours: 443
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-AF 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Operator: Executive Air Of Hayward
- Registered owner: Steccone Products Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, August 8, 1986, 37 hours before
- Departed: ONT, ONTARIO, CA
- Destination: HWD, HAYWARD, CA
- Airport: CLG, Coalinga Muni, runway 30, 4,600 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,676 total, 74 in this make and model, 1,511 as pilot in command, 299 in the last 90 days, 75 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: NLC, 22 nm away

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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