# NTSB NYC91LA222: Cessna T-210-M, N732YB, Clearfield, PA, August 22, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 22, 1991, 16:39 local (20:39 UTC)
- Place: Clearfield, PA
- Coordinates: 41.020866, -78.430442 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.0209&lon=-78.4304&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36999
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA222
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36999/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA222

## Probable cause

VAPOR LOCK OF THE FUEL SYSTEM RESULTING IN FUEL STARVATION. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE OWNER TO COMPLY WITH A SERVICE LETTER CALLING FOR INSULATED FUEL LINES FORWARD OF THE FIRE WALL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - fence

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID THE ENGINE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AT 300 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND AFTER TAKEOFF.  HE MADE A FORCED LANDING ON A HIGHWAY AND STRUCK A GUARD RAIL.  THE FAA WAS ABLE TO RUN THE ENGINE.  AN INSPECTION OF THE FUEL LINE REVEALED AIR BUBBLES.  A CESSNA SERVICE LETTER HAD NOT BEEN COMPILED WITH THAT RECOMMENDED MODIFICATIONS OF THE FUEL SYSTEM TO PREVENT VAPOR LOCK PROBLEMS.  THE PILOT WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH FUEL SYSTEM VAPOR LOCK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N732YB](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N732YB), registered now, S/N 21061871 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA T-210-M
- Registry model: [Cessna T210M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-t210m) (registry code 2073451) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-520-series) (registry code 17040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 21061871
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-R 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kephart Trucking Co
- Registered owner: Kephart Trucking Co
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Destination: BVI, BEAVER FALLS, PA
- Airport: N97, Clearfield/Lawrence, runway 3, 4,500 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 800 total, 100 in this make and model, 760 as pilot in command, 63 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °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 19910822036209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910822036209A), Aug 22, 1991: Cessna T210M, Clearfield, PA, Substantial damage. Engine lost power on climbout. Evidence of fuel vapor lock. Did not use aux fuel pump. Sb for problem not complied.

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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