CEN10LA166

Factual narrative

On March 18, 2010, about 0800 mountain standard time, a Cessna 421B airplane, N3382Q, was substantially damaged following the loss of engine power during the approach to Artesia Municipal Airport (ATS), Artesia, New Mexico. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The business flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The cross-country flight departed El Paso, Texas, approximately 0715. The commercial pilot stated he had filled both main and both auxiliary fuel tanks prior to a 2.7-hour flight. He estimated that this allowed for over 1.5 hours of fuel on board for the 39-minute accident flight. During the en route portion of the flight, the pilot switched the fuel tanks from the main fuel tanks to the auxiliary fuel tanks. During the descent to land, the pilot switched back to the main fuel tanks. While on short final the left engine quit, the airplane suddenly swerved to the left, and the descent rate increased. The pilot attempted a go around and switched from the main fuel tank to the auxiliary fuel tank. The airplane struck a wire and impacted in an open field, breaking the left wing spar and separating the right engine from the wing. A post impact fire ensued around the right engine. During the postaccident examination of the wreckage, fuel was found in the right main tank and both auxiliary tanks. The left main tank was found intact and empty. The pilot stated that he did not feel that there was anything wrong with the airplane. No anomalies were found with the engines or other airplane systems. While on final approach to land, the left engine lost power, the airplane suddenly swerved to the left, and the airplane's descent rate increased. The pilot attempted a go-around and switched from the main fuel tank to the auxiliary fuel tank. The airplane struck a wire and impacted the ground, breaking the left wing spar and separating the right engine from the wing. A postimpact fire ensued around the right engine. During the postaccident examination of the wreckage, fuel was found in the right main tank and both auxiliary tanks. The left main tank was found intact and empty. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane and no anomalies were found with the engines or other airplane systems that would have prevented normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Planning/preparation-Fuel planning-Pilot - C
• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-(general)-Not specified
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Wire-Effect on equipment
• C Aircraft-Fluids/misc hardware-Fluids-Fuel-Fluid management - C