NTSB Factual Report

On November 30, 2003, at approximately 1135 mountain standard time, a Cessna T210K, N81PC, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during a forced landing near Deming, New Mexico. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant on board the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal, cross-country flight from Oakland, California, to Deming, New Mexico, was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The flight originated at 0500 Pacific standard time.

The pilot reported he was on approach into the Deming Municipal Airport (DMN). At 5 nautical miles from the airport, the airplane was approximately 4,000 feet above ground level. The pilot lowered the landing gear, 30 degrees of flaps, and initiated several "S" turns to lose altitude. The pilot said that at 2 miles from the runway, he switched his fuel selector to the right fuel tank, which had more fuel. The pilot continued the "S" turns until he was 1/3 mile from the end of the runway. When he applied power to level off, there was no response. The pilot selected a field to the right of his final approach course. The airplane touched down approximately 20 feet short of his intended field. The airplane struck a wrought iron fence, collapsing the nose gear and the left main landing gear.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the upper and lower cowlings. The firewall was crushed upward and bent aft. The propeller blades were bent aft at mid-span. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the engine showed no evidence of fuel in the fuel distribution manifold or fuel lines. An examination of the fuel tanks showed some fuel in the right fuel tank. An examination of the airplane's, engine controls and remaining systems revealed no anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision. Factors contributing to the accident were fuel exhaustion and the fence.