CEN21FA207

A witness reported that, after the airplane touched down on runway 15, it bounced, and the right wing lifted up to an estimated 45° angle. The airplane’s wings then leveled, and the airplane bounced a second time. The airplane landed, exited the runway surface to the left, and continued into a harvested cornfield. The witness heard the engine power increase, and the airplane pilot attempted to take off from the field. The airplane impacted a power pole and power line near the corner of the harvested cornfield, then impacted terrain and was destroyed by a postcrash fire. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The closest weather observing station reported wind from the southwest about 19 to 20 knots, gusting 27 to 30 knots. The airplane’s maximum demonstrated crosswind component during takeoff or landing was 21 knots. It is likely that the gusting crosswind lifted the airplane’s right wing and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control during landing. The pilot’s subsequent decision to attempt to take off from the corn field resulted in impact with the power pole/line.

According to the pilot’s operating handbook for the airplane, the maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity for takeoff or landing was 21 knots. On May 2, 2021, at 1552 central daylight time, a Cessna T210M airplane, N1215M, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Oxford, Iowa. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to air traffic control information, the pilot contacted the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), Cedar Rapids, Iowa, tower controller and reported that he was going to perform landings at Green Castle Airport (IA24), Oxford, Iowa, located about 8 miles south of CID. A witness located adjacent to the runway at IA24 reported the airplane entered a left traffic pattern for runway 15. After touchdown, the airplane bounced, and the right wing lifted up to an estimated 45° angle. The airplane’s wings then leveled, and the airplane bounced a second time. The airplane landed, exited the runway surface to the left, and entered a harvested corn field. The witness then heard the engine increase to full power, and the airplane pilot attempted to take off from the field. The airplane impacted a power pole and power line near the corner of the field and subsequently impacted terrain; a postcrash fire ensued. The witness estimated the wind to be from the west about 20 knots at the time of the accident. Toxicology testing performed at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory found 6 (mg/dL) glucose in the pilot’s urine. Carboxyhemoglobin, ethanol, and drugs were not detected in the pilot’s specimens. At 1452, the CID automated surface observing system reported wind from 200° at 20 knots gusting to 28 knots. The peak wind was from 220° at 30 knots. The main wreckage was located in a harvested corn field about 750 ft east of the end of runway 15. Landing gear tire marks were noted in the field and measured about 1,200 ft in length. The distance from the end of the tire marks to the power pole/power line was about 300 ft. Figure 1 shows the end of runway 15, tire marks in the field, power lines, and accident site with the postaccident fire damage. Figure. Image showing the end of runway 15, tire marks in the field, power lines, and accident site with the postaccident fire damage A separated outboard section of the left wing was located between the power pole and main wreckage. The main wreckage, which was consumed by fire, comprised the fuselage, empennage, engine, and propeller assembly. The propeller assembly was separated from the engine crankshaft and found embedded in the soft terrain. Flight control continuity was established to all flight control surfaces and cockpit flight controls. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.