# NTSB LAX90LA290: Cessna T210M, N732VS, Soda Springs, CA, August 17, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 17, 1990, 13:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Soda Springs, CA
- Coordinates: 39.320415, -120.400611 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3204&lon=-120.4006&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- ADs cited in the narratives: AD 80-04-09 (OpenAirDocs)
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26896
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA290
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26896/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA290

## Probable cause

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO INADEQUATE VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM (INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE/SERVICE) AND INCORRECT FUEL GRADE. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fuel system,vapor return system - inadequate (cause)
  - fluid,fuel grade - incorrect (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,compliance with ad - not performed, company/operator management (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - object - fence post

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF A CESSNA T-210-M EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE DURING CRUISE. THE PILOT STATED HE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING ENGINE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH FUEL DELIVERY SINCE THE INSTALLATION OF A FACTORY REBUILT ENGINE 14 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THERE WAS NO RECORD OF COMPLIANCE WITH AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE DEALING WITH VAPOR PROBLEMS. OPTIONAL CESSNA SERVICE KIT SK-210-99A (FUEL SYSTEM VENT LINE MODIFICATION) HAD NOT BEEN ACCOMPLISHED. FUEL SAMPLE TESTING DETERMINED THE FUEL DID NOT MEET ASTM D910 REQUIREMENTS FOR AVIATION GASOLINE. THERE WAS NO RECORD OF COMPLIANCE WITH A.D. 80-04-09 (FUEL SYSTEM VAPOR CONTROL).

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N732VS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N732VS-1992-02-26), registration cancelled 1992-02-26, S/N 21061814 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA T210M
- Registry model: [Cessna T210M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-t210m) (registry code 2073451) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 21061814
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSI-0520-R4 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dunn, William G
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: SQL, SAN CARLOS, CA
- Destination: TRK, TRUCKEE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 2,060 total, 1,000 in this make and model, 2,060 as pilot in command, 33 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 100 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19900817034039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900817034039A), Aug 17, 1990: Cessna T210M, Soda Springs, CA, Substantial damage. Lost fuel pressure en route. Crash landed on freeway. AD for anti vapor lock not complied. Other directives pending

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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