Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inaccurate fuel consumption calculations which resulted in fuel exhaustion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot had flown the airplane on multiple flights and refueled once. He stated that he used an average fuel burn of 17 gph. He estimated the fuel on board at the last departure point. En route, the engine quit and a forced landing was made to a field. The airplane fuel system was examined after the accident. About two ounces of fuel were found in the fuel system; with no evidence of fuel spillage at the accident site.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 4, 1993, at about 1215 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 210M, N761CQ, collided with the ground during an emergency descent near Apex, North Carolina. The airplane was operated by Century Care of Laurinburg, Inc. under 14 CFR Part 91 and instrument flight rules. An instrument flight rules flight plan was in effect for the personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The private pilot, who holds an airplane instrument rating, received minor injuries, while the airplane was substantially damaged. Origination of the flight was Spartanburg, South Carolina, at about 1100, on the same day. The airplane had been flown on multiple flights since the last refueling. During cruise flight to the final destination, the engine quit. After the accident, the aircraft fuel system was examined. Approximately two ounces of fuel was found in the left wing fuel tank. The fuel selector was found on the right wing fuel tank, which did not contain any visible fuel. There was no evidence of fuel spillage at the accident site. -