# NTSB FTW83FQA03: Cessna T210M, N732SK, Reserve, NM, December 28, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: December 28, 1982, 06:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Reserve, NM
- Coordinates: 33.700485, -108.760597 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7005&lon=-108.7606&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 28, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72376
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83FQA03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72376/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83FQA03

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - stolen aircraft/unauthorized use - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - ice
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS WHILE IT WAS STILL DARK. A CHECK AT THE AIRPORT REVEALED A PLANE WAS MISSING. A FURTHER CHECK WITH THE OWNER WAS MADE WHICH REVEALED THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN STOLEN. THE PLANE HAD BEEN SECURED WITH A WHEEL LOCK, BUT SOMEONE HAD CUT THE LOCK WITH A TORCH. ALL THE VEHICLES AND OTHER AIRCRAFT HAD HEAVY FROST ON THEIR WINDSHIELDS. THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 8 DEG. WITNESSES AGREED THAT THE PILOT HAD STARTED THE PLANE, TAXIED A SHORT DISTANCE AND TOOK OFF WITHOUT WARMING THE TURBOCHARGED ENGINE. REPORTEDLY, THE SURROUNDING HILLS WERE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED AS IT PASSED OVER THE CREST OF A HILL ABOUT 2 MI FROM THE AIRPORT. DURING THE ACCIDENT, IT IMPACTED WITH TREES WHILE BANKED ABOUT 45 DEG TO THE LEFT. AFTER HITTING THE TREES, THE PLANE REMAINED AIRBORNE FOR SOME 474 FT BEFORE IMPACTING THE GROUND AND BURNING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N732SK](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N732SK-1985-01-11), registration cancelled 1985-01-11, S/N 21061736 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA T210M
- Registry model: [Cessna T210M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-t210m) (registry code 2073451) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 21061736
- Airframe hours: 635
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520R-1 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: Both
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: E.H. Mullins & V.N. Mullins
- Registered owner: E.H. Mullins & V.N. Mullins
- Departed: Q16, RESERVE, NM
- Airport: Q16, Reserve-Catron County

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 235 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 46 °F

## 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 19821228065139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821228065139A), Dec 28, 1982: Cessna T210M, Reserve, NM, Destroyed. Departed at dark night in a stolen aircraft with frost on windshield and cold engine. Hit trees on a ridge. Burned.

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.

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