# NTSB SEA07CA146: Cessna T210N, N6973N, Bakersfield, CA, June 5, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: June 5, 2007, 13:33 local (20:33 UTC) - Place: Bakersfield, CA - Coordinates: 35.433612, -119.056945 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4336&lon=-119.0569&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report August 30, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 65931 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA07CA146 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/65931/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA146 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a loss of directional control. Factors included the crosswind and gusty wind condition. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The pilot reported that as he was turning on to base leg for Runway 30R he noticed that the wind was stronger than anticipated, and when established on final the wind had caused the airplane to drift to the right of the runway's centerline. The pilot stated that as he was making adjustments to line up with the centerline the air traffic controller instructed him to go around. As he was pitching up and adding power the controller then told the pilot he was cleared to land, prompting the pilot to reduce power, drop the nose, and continue to make adjustments for the crosswind. The pilot reported that when the airplane touched down it bounced two or three times, "...then a strong wind gust caused the plane to exit the runway to the right." As a result of the nose wheel collapsing aft the firewall sustained substantial damage. The pilot estimated winds from 270 degrees between 12 and 14 knots, with wind gusts to 18 knots. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that as he was turning on to base leg for Runway 30R he noticed that the wind was stronger than anticipated, and when established on final the wind had caused the airplane to drift to the right of the runway's centerline. The pilot stated that as he was making adjustments to line up with the centerline the air traffic controller instructed him to go around. As he was pitching up and adding power the controller then told the pilot that he was cleared to land, prompting the pilot to reduce power, drop the nose, and continue to make adjustments for the crosswind. The pilot reported that when the airplane touched down it bounced two or three times, "...then a strong wind gust caused the plane to exit the runway to the right." The pilot revealed that after the airplane departed the runway the nose landing gear folded aft, which resulted in substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot estimated winds were from 270 degrees between 12 and 14 knots, with wind gusts to 18 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6973N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6973N-2019-09-12), registration cancelled 2019-09-12, S/N 21063182, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna T210N - Registry model: [Cessna T210N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-t210n) (registry code 2073456) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-520-series) (registry code 17040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 21063182 - Engines: Continental TSIO-520 reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Joseph P. Baratta - Registered owner: Joe P Baratta - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: RIU, Rancho Murieta, CA - Destination: BFL, Bakersfield, CA - Airport: BFL, Meadows Field, runway 30R, 10,857 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 75; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; flight hours: 6,300 total, 2,360 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 270° at 14 knots, gusting 18 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft overcast - Temperature: 81 °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 20070605007599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070605007599A), Jun 5, 2007: Cessna T210N, Bakersfield, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) Upon landing at Bakersfield Meadows airfield (bfl) N6973N piloted by [privacy data omitted] encountered strong winds, erratic crosswinds (dustdevils)… 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.