Pilot Debrief

CESSNA T210N near Edinburg, TX — 2009-04-09

Final reportCEN09FA241
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Date
2009-04-09
Location
Edinburg, TX, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA T210N
Registration
N127TC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to select a suitable alternate landing site.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to select a suitable alternate landing site.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after departure, the pilot reported engine problems and difficulty maintaining engine rpm and altitude. The pilot initially reported that he would land at a local airport; however, he later stated that he would not make it to that airport. Several areas free of obstacles were located between the point the pilot reported the loss of power and the accident site. The airplane impacted four sets of power lines spread over 1.7 miles. The airplane crashed in an orange grove and was destroyed by postimpact fire. An examination of the airplane and related systems revealed no preexisting anomalies. The engine was examined in the field and an extensive examination and teardown was conducted later in a controlled environment. The examinations did not reveal any mechanical anomalies that would have prevented the engine from producing power as designed.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have returned to McAllen Miller International Airport instead of continuing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 12 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents12

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