# NTSB LAX92LA081: Cessna 210, N9508T, Bakersfield, CA, January 5, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 4, 1992, 19:54 local (Jan 5, 1992, 03:54 UTC)
- Place: Bakersfield, CA
- Coordinates: 35.379627, -119.020462 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3796&lon=-119.0205&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27532
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA081
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27532/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA081

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO RESTART THE ENGINE WHEN THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF A FUEL LEAK. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FRACTURED FUEL LINE DUE TO THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION AND OVERTORQUE OF THE LINE BY COMPANY MAINTENANCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, taxi - from landing
  - fuel system,line - overtorque (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, company maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,line - fractured (contributing factor)
- Fire, taxi - from landing
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE CERTIFICATED AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT AND A PASSENGER DEPARTED AN INTERMEDIATE FUEL STOP DURING A FERRY FLIGHT TO DELIVER THE AIRPLANE TO A NEW OWNER.  AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PILOT SMELLED FUEL AND NOTICED FUEL DRIPPING INTO THE COCKPIT FROM UNDER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.  THE PILOT RETURNED TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT AND DURING THE LANDING ROLL-OUT, THE ENGINE QUIT.  AFTER ROLLING OFF THE ACTIVE PORTION OF THE RUNWAY, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE ENGINE.  FLAMES ERUPTED IN THE ENGINE AND COCKPIT.  INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE FLARED END OF A COPPER FUEL PRESSURE LINE FROM THE FUEL METERING UNIT TO THE FUEL PRESSURE GAGE WAS FRACTURED DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION AND OVERTORQUE.  THIS CONDITION ALLOWED FUEL TO DRIP ONTO THE ALTERNATE-AIR CONTROL CABLE, RUN THROUGH THE FIREWALL TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THEN DRIP INTO THE COCKPIT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9508T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9508T-2013-03-20), registration cancelled 2013-03-20, S/N 57308, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 210
- Registry model: [Cessna 210](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-210) (registry code 2073402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 57308
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470-E 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Steve Mccorkle
- Registered owner: Steve Mccorkle
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 15, 1991, 15 hours before
- Destination: MRY, MONTEREY, CA
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: BFL, Meadows Field, runway 12, 10,857 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial, airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 13,500 total, 550 in this make and model, 13,400 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BFL, 1 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 19920104000199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920104000199A), Jan 4, 1992: Cessna 210, Bakersfield, CA, Substantial damage. Engine quit on landing roll. Fire erupted on restart attempt. Fuel pressure line broke. Fuel leaked into cabin.

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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