CESSNA T210M near Put-in-Bay, OH — 2010-08-13

Final reportCEN10LA482

Date: 2010-08-13
Location: Put-in-Bay, OH, USA
Airport: 3W2
Aircraft: CESSNA T210M
Registration: N14AW
Category: Airplane
Highest injury: Minor
Fatalities: 0
Phase of flight: Approach

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power while on final approach for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the engine experienced an abrupt loss of engine power while turning onto the final approach leg of the traffic pattern. His attempts to restore engine power were unsuccessful and he elected to ditch the airplane near a ferry dock. The airplane came to rest in about 22 feet of water, approximately 50 yards from the shoreline. A postaccident examination and operational test run of the engine did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a complete loss of engine power. The examination did reveal a section of missing material from the edge of the No. 6 cylinder exhaust valve and irregular combustion deposits on the face of the valve. Both signatures are consistent with an exhaust leak and a corresponding partial loss of engine power. During the test run, the engine started normally and without hesitation. The engine was unable to produce rated power due to an exhaust leak.