Primary finding
Probable cause
total loss of engine power for reason(s) undetermined. A factor was the dark night.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that while operating the airplane engine at reduced power, making a VFR approach to the airport of intended landing, the engine suffered a total loss of power resulting in an off airport forced landing on a dark night. An inspection subsequent to the accident found fuel in both main fuel tanks and the engine ran when started with no anomalies noted in the airplane or engine.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 23, 1994, at 2100 central daylight time, a Cessna 210A, N6663X, registered to Heartland Aviation of Manhattan, Kansas, collided with wires, a tree, and the terrain during a forced landing, following a total loss of engine power. The accident occurred at night, in a field near Manhattan, Kansas. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The instrument rated private pilot reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed Topeka, Kansas, at 2040, with the intended destination of Manhattan, Kansas. The pilot stated that he was making a VFR approach to runway 21 at Manhattan, Kansas, with the engine power reduced for the approach. The engine suffered a total loss of engine power and he was unable to re-start it. He then concentrated on making a forced landing, on a dark night, off airport. A subsequent examination failed to reveal any pre-existent anomalies in the airplane or engine. The engine was test run and found to operate. There was fuel found in both main tanks; approximately nine gallons in the left and ten gallons in the right tanks. -