# NTSB FTW92LA004: Cessna 210C, N3655Y, Leander, TX, October 5, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 5, 1991, 17:10 local (22:10 UTC)
- Place: Leander, TX
- Coordinates: 30.560468, -97.860671 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.5605&lon=-97.8607&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18396
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA004
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18396/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA004

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S DISREGARD FOR THE HAZARDOUS WEATHER ADVISORIES RECEIVED. A FACTOR WAS THE WEATHER.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - improper, pilot in command
  - hazardous weather advisory - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

A PRIVATE PILOT RECEIVED A WEATHER BRIEFING FROM THE LOCAL FSS AND WAS ADVISED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF AREA THUNDERSTORMS, TURBULENCE, HIGH WINDS, AND HAIL FOR HIS INTENDED FLIGHT. THE PILOT ELECTED TO CONTINUE WITH HIS PLANNED PERSONAL FLIGHT. WHILE ON FINAL TO A 2,200 FOOT RUNWAY, SURROUNDED BY 35 FOOT TREES, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A DOWNDRAFT, FORCING THE AIRPLANE INTO THE TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3655Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3655Y-2013-06-18), registration cancelled 2013-06-18, S/N 21058155, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 210C
- Registry model: [Cessna 210C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-210c) (registry code 2073412) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 21058155
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470-S 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Charles W. Butler
- Registered owner: Charles W. Butler
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: AUS, AUSTIN, TX
- Airport: 77T, Kittie Hill, runway 35, 2,200 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 150 total, 100 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 15 knots, gusting 23
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AUS, 19 nm away

## 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 19911005045049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911005045049A), Oct 5, 1991: Cessna 210C, Leander, TX, Substantial damage. Warned turbulence , high winds for flight. Ignored. On final at airport surrounded by 35FT trees. Forced into trees

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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