NTSB Factual Report

On March 24, 2005, about 1500 eastern standard time, a Cessna 210E, N2380F, piloted by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during a forced landing following an in-flight loss of engine power near Bronson, Michigan. The personal flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was on file. The flight originated from the Branch County Memorial Airport (OEB), near Coldwater, Michigan about 1455 and was destined for the Three Rivers Municipal/Dr Haines Airport (HAI), near Three Rivers, Michigan.

The pilot stated:

Owner sumped all fuel drains (3-18-05) then acquired

fuel (100LL) from self service pump on field (OEB).

Aircraft had all sumps re-drained once again (3-18-05)

after fueling with fuel tanks having little water and

belly drains having none. Aircraft was sumped once

again (3-20-05) with customer presence with fuel tank

having little water and belly drain having none.

Aircraft engine was started up. (3-24-05) Additional

fuel was added, all sumps drained with no water found.

Owner/operator felt aircraft was safe for ferry flight

to Three Rivers Airport (HAI). During take-off stage

all gauges and instruments were operating in normal

parameters. Approximately 4 [minutes] into flight

aircraft began popping and back-firing along with

power loss, electric fuel pump was turned on without

any aid to engine performance. Operator initiated

180[degree] turn for return to airport of departure

with airplane descending, operator only option was to

land in corn field with soft dirt. Landing touch down

speed was approximately 70 mph and at approximately a

speed of 20 mph front wheel sank into dirt causing front

wheel to break off, then front of engine cowling was

riding on the dirt digging in, causing airplane to flip

over.

Subsequent to the accident, the pilot reported that water was found in the fuel sumps.

Airplane logbooks show the last recorded annual inspection was completed on August 23, 2000.

Federal Aviation Administration Inspectors examined the wreckage. No engine or airframe pre-impact anomalies were detected.

Cessna pilot safety and warning supplements, in part, stated:

The fuel system sumps and drains should always be

drained and checked for contaminants after each

refueling and during each preflight inspection. Drain

at least a cupful of fuel into a clear container to check for

solid and/or liquid contaminants, and proper fuel grade.

If contamination is observed, take further samples at all

fuel drain points until fuel is clear of contaminants; then,

gently rock wings and, if possible, lower the tail to move

any additional contaminants to the sampling points.

Take repeated samples from all fuel drain points until

all contamination has been removed. If excessive

sampling is required, completely defuel, drain and clean

the airplane fuel system, and attempt to discover where

or how the contamination originated before the airplane

flies again. Do not fly the airplane with contaminated or

unapproved fuel.

Federal Aviation Regulation 21.197 Special flight permits, in-part stated:

(a) A special flight permit may be issued for an

aircraft that may not currently meet applicable

airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe

flight, for the following purposes:

(1) Flying the aircraft to a base where repairs,

alterations, or maintenance are to be performed, or to a

point of storage.

There was no ferry flight permit on file with the Federal Aviation Administration for this flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight preparation which failed to detect contaminated fuel that led to a loss of engine power. The unsuitable terrain encountered was a factor.