NTSB Factual Report

On February 1, 2006, at 1715 eastern standard time, a Cessna T210N, N2134U, registered to Dean Steel Buildings, Inc., and operated by a private individual as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, experienced total loss of engine power, and made a forced landing in the vicinity of Rome, Georgia. The airplane received substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airline transport-rated pilot and private-rated passenger reported no injuries. The flight originated from the Richard B. Russell Airport, Rome Georgia, on February 1, 2006, at 1615.

The pilot stated while in cruise flight she looked at the fuel gauges and the right fuel tank was empty and the left fuel tank was approximately a quarter full. The primer was stuck in the out position. She and the passenger attempted to push the primer in with negative results. She then decided to fly back towards the departure airport and while en-route, the engine quit. The pilot stated that the airplane was approximately 1000 feet above the ground and she elected not to attempt an engine restart. She made a 180 degree turn and initiated a forced landing to an open field. The airplane landed half way down the field. She attempted to stop the airplane, but the airplane skidded through a barb wire fence, the left wing clipped a tree, and the airplane spun around 180-degrees. The airplane came to rest facing north.

Examination of the airplane after the accident by an FAA inspector showed the airplane contained no usable fuel and the primer handle was unlocked. A review of the primer's design drawings found that there are two check valves within the primers system which prevent fuel from entering the engine even with the primer in the out position. Fuel can only enter the engine through the action of closing the primer.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper fuel management resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.