This May 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 210.
Location: Spanish Fork, Utah.
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
Aircraft damage: Destroyed.
What reportedly happened: The private pilot was on an IFR cross-country flight in visual meteorological conditions. He reported to ATC that he had engine problems, and that the airplane was on fire.
According to witnesses, the airplane was trailing smoke as the pilot turned toward open area. The airplane crashed while in a steep left-hand turn and was engulfed by fire.
Examination of the wreckage revealed a black, oil-like substance along the leading edge of the right stabilizer. Heavy dark soot and oil deposits were on the bottom of the engine, starting below the number six cylinder in the area of the waste gate controller, and extending to the rear of the engine near the accessory case. The turbo charger waste gate is actuated by oil pressure supplied by an inlet oil supply hose and an oil return hose. Examination of the two Aeroquip metal-braided nonfire shielded hoses revealed that both were covered in a dark soot and an oil-like substance. Both oil lines appeared thermally damaged. The waste gate actuator inlet line was pressure tested, and a leak was noted between the hose collar and the B-nut on the actuator side of the hose. The oil return line was pressure tested, and multiple leaks were noted along a 14-inch section of the hose. The steel braided outer cover of the hose was removed, and the inside rubber hose was found deteriorated and oil soaked.
A review of the maintenance log book records disclosed no specific entry related to the installation of nonfire shielded Aeroequip hoses. A representative from the engine manufacturer stated the steel braided Aeroequip hoses found on the accident airplane were not supplied by the engine manufacturer. Investigators determined that given the condition of the turbo charger oil lines and fittings, it is probable that a high pressure oil leak sprayed oil onto the hot engine and started an in-flight fire.
Probable cause: An engine oil line leak and subsequent engine compartment fire while in cruise flight.
