N732DKCessna T210L · 1976

On May 14, 2019, about 1920 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna T210L, N732DK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Medford, Oregon. The private pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he completed a cross-country flight from French Valley Airport (F70), Murrieta, California to Beagle Sky Ranch Airport (OR96), Medford, Oregon. Shortly after departing on the return flight, the engine lost total power because he had “run out of fuel.” The pilot attempted to return to the airport to land. He switched fuel tanks but forgot to activate the fuel boost pump. Engine power was not restored, and the pilot landed in a field short of the runway, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the site reported that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the tail. One fuel tank was dry, and the other contained fuel. The fuel onboard was not quantified by the FAA inspector, but the pilot reported that the airplane contained 20 gallons.

The pilot was performing a night visual landing to runway 20. He stated this was the only runway available for night landings. During the approach winds were 290 degrees at 25 knots, gusting to 35 knots. After touchdown the airplane went to the right and impacted a snow drift beside the runway. The maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity for this airplane was 21 knots. Examination of the airplane revealed that both wing spars were bent.