N732WN

On August 7, 2005, about 1350 eastern daylight time, a Cessna T210M, N732WN, registered to Missionary Transport & Equipment Service Inc, and operated by an individual, impacted with terrain during a forced landing following loss of engine power, near Kissimmee, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot and passenger reported no injuries; the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from the Ashtabula County Airport, Ashtabula, Ohio, earlier that day, at about 0830.

The pilot stated that all fuel tanks were filled at Ashtabula, Ohio, before departure. This took 86.82 gallons of fuel. The total amount of fuel on board the airplane was 90 gallons. He said that he and a passenger departed from Ashtabula about 0830 that morning and were destined to Winter Haven's Gilbert Airport, Winter Haven, Florida. The flight was uneventful until descending toward the intended airport. Fuel gauge and calculations showed 30 to 40 minutes of fuel left. The airplane's engine started running rough and then stopped. He turned towards Kissimmee Airport and tried to get the engine to restart without success. He determined he would not be able to reach the runway. He spotted a road under construction and elected to perform a force landing. He landed on the road and, as a 40-foot embankment was approaching fast, elected to direct the airplane toward a ditch. The airplane flipped over before coming to stop. The pilot stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

Examination of the accident scene by an FAA inspector revealed the airplane was upside down. One propeller blade was bent aft, and the engine cowl showed evidence of contact with the backside of the spinner. A representative of the Osceola County Fire Rescue, which was on scene shortly after the accident, stated to the FAA inspector that no fuel leaks from the airplane were noted.

The FAA inspector stated that an examination of the fuel system was conducted. The fuel strainer and the two reservoir tanks in the fuselage yielded a total of 4 ounces of fuel. The flow divider contained a negligible amount of fuel. The pilot stated to the FAA inspector that he must have run out of fuel.