A Cessna 210 was force landed on a Bankstown Airport taxiway, likely after a low amount of fuel combined with unbalanced flight to starve the engine, an Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation has concluded.
On 26 May 2024, a Cessna T210M single piston-engine aeroplane was being ferried from Maitland to Bankstown, New South Wales, where it was to undergo maintenance. There was a pilot and a passenger on board.
During the approach to Bankstown, the engine stopped.
"The pilot identified a taxiway on the airport as a suitable place for a forced landing and elected to leave the flap retracted and the gear up in order to reduce drag and maximise glide range," ATSB Director Transport Safety Stuart Macleod said.
Once the aircraft was over the airport, the gear was lowered, but it did not successfully lock in place due to the limited time available.
"The aircraft landed wheels-up, resulting in minor damage, but fortunately both occupants were uninjured," Mr Macleod outlined.
An ATSB investigation determined the aircraft departed Maitland with sufficient fuel to complete the intended flight, but it was likely the amount of fuel reduced to a level that, in combination with unbalanced flight approaching Bankstown, resulted in the engine being starved of fuel.
"Fuel starvation occurrences can often be prevented by conducting thorough pre-flight fuel quantity checks combined with in-flight fuel management," Mr Macleod explained.
"Pilots are reminded to check fuel quantities prior to departure using a known calibrated instrument such as a dipstick."
"In addition, comparing the expected fuel burn with actual fuel remaining after a flight, will give a validated fuel burn for the aircraft and ensure the measuring equipment is accurate."
The ATSB's final report directs pilots to familiarise themselves with CASA's Advisory Circular Guidelines for aircraft fuel requirements, which provides further guidance for in‑flight fuel management.
While it did not contribute to the occurrence, the ATSB also concluded the pilot's decision to carry non-essential crew on a ferry flight for maintenance placed that additional occupant at unnecessary risk of injury.
"While the passenger was reportedly present to assist with navigation and radio communication, the ferry flight was conducted under a CASA special flight permit, requiring only essential operating crew be carried," Mr Macleod said.
"These conditions are in place to minimise the consequences if an incident occurs during such a flight."
Finally, the report notes, the pilot failed to complete the engine failure during flight checklist which, if followed, would have increased the likelihood of the engine being restarted in flight.
"Practising forced landings from different altitudes under safe conditions can help pilots prepare for an emergency situation," Mr Macleod explained.
"Being familiar with emergency checklists and your aircraft's systems will assist in an emergency when identifying and managing an engine failure."
You can find here the report: Fuel starvation involving Cessna T210M, VH-MYW, 4 km north-west of Bankstown Airport, New South Wales, on 26 May 2024
