On January 27, 2023, a Cessna T210N (N4758C) crashed near Murrieta, California, after losing engine power on final approach to French Valley Airport. The aircraft came to rest inverted in a ravine about 2,000 feet short of the runway. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the pilot-rated passenger was seriously injured.
The Flight and Sudden Power Loss
The flight began as a routine 26-minute trip from Long Beach Airport to French Valley Airport. Before departure, the pilot conducted a preflight inspection, confirming approximately 33 gallons of fuel in each tank. Thirteen minutes into the flight, he switched the fuel selector from the left tank to the right.
As they approached the airport, the pilot reduced throttle to near idle and entered the pattern for landing on runway 36. With landing gear down and flaps set to 10 degrees, the pilot turned from base to final at an altitude of 150 feet and an airspeed of 80 knots. When he attempted to add power, the engine did not respond.
Despite troubleshooting efforts, including cycling the throttle and activating the auxiliary fuel pump, the engine remained unresponsive. The airplane continued descending until it impacted the terrain and overturned.
Investigation Findings
- The cause of the engine failure could not be determined. The throttle, mixture, and propeller linkages remained intact, and a post-crash engine run showed the engine was capable of operating. However, electrical damage prevented a full test.
- The right fuel tank cap was missing, which raised the possibility of fuel starvation or exhaustion, but the extent of fuel loss could not be verified due to impact damage.
- The pilot’s decision to descend to 150 feet while still on base leg left little margin to recover when the engine failed.
Lessons to Learn
Losing engine power during final approach is a high-risk scenario, making proper energy management critical. Pilots should maintain a safe altitude and airspeed until the landing is assured.
Fuel management must always be a top priority. While no definitive fuel issue was found, a missing fuel cap raises questions. Pilots should always verify fuel system integrity during preflight checks.
Mechanical issues can arise unexpectedly, so pilots must always be prepared for emergency landings. This accident highlights the importance of maintaining altitude until safely aligned with the runway.
Final Thoughts
While the exact cause of this accident remains unknown, low altitude and an unresponsive engine left little room for recovery. Pilots must always be prepared for the unexpected and ensure they maintain enough altitude and airspeed to respond to in-flight emergencies safely.
