N1751X

On September 7, 1995, at 1800 central daylight time, a Cessna 210L, N1751X, was substantially damaged following a total loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing in Springfield, Missouri. The pilot and two passengers reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight had departed Wheeling, West Virginia, at 1445 eastern daylight time, with an intended destination of Springfield, Missouri. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed.

During a telephone interview, the pilot reported that the flight originated from Plymouth, Massachusetts, and had made a fuel stop in Wheeling, West Virginia. The pilot stated that he did not visually checked each fuel tank to ensure that they had been topped off prior to departing for the flight's final destination of Springfield, Missouri. The pilot reported that when approximately six miles north of Springfield, Missouri, the engine experienced a complete loss of power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot made a forced landing on a farm field. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a fence before coming to rest.

Postaccident examination found no fuel in the fuel tanks, fuel lines, or flow divider. The pilot stated the cause of the accident was the "tanks not properly filled to max at Wheeling Airport, West VA and pilot's failing to ensure a max fuel load for the intended trip."

Airworthiness Directive 94-12-08 pertains to Cessna 210's fuel servicing. This AD, which encompasses N1751X, requires either the installation of raised fuel caps or the fabrication of two placards which are to be placed on each wing fuel filler opening.

The placards are to state, "TO ASSURE FULL CAPACITY WHILE FILLING, FILL SLOWLY DURING LAST 5 GALLONS, RECHECK FOR FULL AFTER 2 MINUTES." AD 94-12-08 requires compliance within 12 calendar months from the date of the AD. Review of N1751X's logbook and inspection of the airplane found that this AD had not been accomplished to date. The pilot stated that he was not aware of this AD which affected N1751X.