Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 210 near Cedaredge, CO — 2020-10-04

Final reportCEN21LA001
Sign in to save
Date
2020-10-04
Location
Cedaredge, CO, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 210
Registration
N9568X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The airplane was en route about 1,000 ft over mountainous terrain when the engine experienced a gradual loss of power. The pilot’s efforts to troubleshoot the engine issue were unsuccessful. The airplane could not maintain altitude and the pilot performed a forced landing to a clearing next to a highway. During the landing flare, the pilot pitched up to avoid an oncoming vehicle and the airplane stalled and impacted terrain. A postaccident fire consumed a majority of the airplane. Examination of the wreckage was limited due to the postimpact fire. However, there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies identified with the available wreckage that would have precluded normal operation, and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels or engine performance before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 11 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents11

Related mishaps