Accident to the Cessna 210K registered N5767J on 25/07/24 at Beblenheim

Due to a non-identified technical problem, the pilot had been operating the aeroplane with the landing gear extended and locked for numerous flights.

Based on the fuel load and consumption estimations for the flight, the pilot considered that he needed a full fuel load. However, he did not have knowledge of the refuelling specificities of the aeroplane or the airworthiness directive issued by the FAA concerning this subject. He refuelled on a non-horizontal surface which meant that the fuel load was 6 US gal less than the maximum usable quantity (89 US gal) in the fuel tanks. The pilot then entered the erroneous value of 90 US gal in the EDM data display. Before the flight, the fuel load was thus 7 US gal less than what the pilot thought.

In cruise, the pilot’s power selection led to an average fuel consumption of 1 US gal/h more than what he had planned. This difference led to an overconsumption of around 5.5 US gal during the flight. Relying solely on the fuel indication displayed on the EDM, which was erroneous as based on the fuel quantity entered on departure, the pilot and passenger did not detect the excessive fuel consumption nor the low fuel level. Their attention was focused on monitoring the oil pressure which had been continuously decreasing until it passed under the minimum value defined by the manufacturer at the end of the flight (no link was established with the loss of power, see paragraph 2.3.1). The pilot then notified the controller of an oil problem. About two minutes later, the fuel system unprimed and the engine lost power. The pilot had to carry out a forced landing. On short final, the aeroplane struck vegetation and then a road before overturning.