# NTSB CEN21FA207: Cessna T210M, N1215M, Oxford, IA, May 2, 2021 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report - Date: May 2, 2021, 15:52 local (20:52 UTC) - Place: Oxford, IA - Coordinates: 41.752565, -91.718851 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7526&lon=-91.7189&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-aborted after touchdown: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA, Textron Aviation - NTSB case key (mKey): 103011 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN21FA207 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/103011/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=103011 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA207 ## Probable cause The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions that exceeded the airplane’s capability and his decision to attempt to takeoff from a field, which resulted in collision with a power pole/line and terrain. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna T210M, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2073451), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna T210M, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=2073451), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: maximum crosswind component](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061015): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna T210M, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061015/cases.md?model=2073451), [All aircraft, 21 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061015/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna T210M, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=2073451), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna T210M, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md?model=2073451), [All aircraft, 1,386 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md) - [Terrain: rough terrain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Cessna T210M, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015/cases.md?model=2073451), [All aircraft, 442 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing: Other weather encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400); cases with it: [Cessna T210M, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=2073451), [All aircraft, 1,127 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090); cases with it: [Cessna T210M, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=2073451), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md) - [Landing-aborted after touchdown: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna T210M, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=2073451), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Cessna T210M, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=2073451), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) ## Analysis 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. ## Factual narrative 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. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1215M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1215M), registered now, S/N 21061924, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA T210M - Registry model: [Cessna T210M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-t210m) (registry code 2073451) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-520-series) (registry code 17040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 21061924 - Year built: 1977 - Airframe hours: 5955.7 - Engines: CONT MOTOR TSIO-520-R 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, November 8, 2020 - Departed: IOW, Iowa City, IA - Destination: Same as departure - Airport: IA24, Green Castle, runway 15, 4,000 × 60 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Unknown ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 73; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,550 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 200° at 19 knots, gusting 27 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 57 °F - Altimeter: 29.50 inHg - Observed at: KCID, 8 nm away - METAR: KCID 022052Z 20019G27KT 10SM FEW060 29/14 A2950 RMK AO2 PK WND 22027/2051 SLP984 T02890139 58016 ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20210502007999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20210502007999A), May 2, 2021: Cessna T210M, Oxford, IA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. The pilot was performing touch and go landings at the private airport during gusty crosswind conditions. The wind exceeded the maximum limitations of the… ## Other investigations on N1215M (2) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB CEN17LA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA148), Apr 5, 2017: Cessna T210M (N1215M), Detroit Lakes, MN, substantial damage. Probable cause: The malfunction of the right main landing gear actuator for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal… - [NTSB CHI94LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA073), Jan 27, 1994: Cessna T210M (N1215M), Olathe, KS, substantial damage. Probable cause: the pilot's failure to follow procedures and directives regarding the positioning of the fuel tank selector to the fullest tank for the landing portion of flight. ## Docket (10 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on April 26, 2022, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=103011. 121 MB in all. - Excerpt of air traffic control communications (item 1, PDF, 1 page, 106 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12944243&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Excerpt%20of%20ATC%20Accident%20Package-Rel.pdf - Excerpt of sheriff report (item 2, PDF, 5 pages, 1.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12945257&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Excerpt%20of%20Sheriff%20Report_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Witness record of conversation (item 3, PDF, 1 page, 159 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12968837&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Witness%20ROC-Rel.pdf - Witness statements (item 4, PDF, 3 pages, 110 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12944857&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Witness%20Statements_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Witness statement (item 5, PDF, 1 page, 56 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12944754&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Mike%20Hill%20statement_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Excerpt of Cessna pilot operating handbook (item 6, PDF, 1 page, 374 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12944253&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Demo%20Crosswind%20Component-Rel.pdf - Toxicological report (item 7, PDF, 1 page, 359 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12945267&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Pilot%20Tox_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Autopsy memo (item 8, PDF, 1 page, 145 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12944263&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Autopsy%20Memo-Rel.pdf - Photo array (item 9, PDF, 7 pages, 7.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12945277&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Photo%20Array-Rel.pdf - Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation Textron aviation (item 10, PDF, 1 page, 602 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12944877&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Party%20Form%20with%20title%20-%20NEW%202010-signed%201_Redacted-Rel.pdf From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.