Cessna T210N N127TC accident near Edinburg, Texas

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to select a suitable alternate landing site.

NTSB analysis

Shortly after departure, the pilot reported engine problems and difficulty maintaining engine rpm and altitude. The pilot initially reported that he would land at a local airport; however, he later stated that he would not make it to that airport. Several areas free of obstacles were located between the point the pilot reported the loss of power and the accident site. The airplane impacted four sets of power lines spread over 1.7 miles. The airplane crashed in an orange grove and was destroyed by postimpact fire. An examination of the airplane and related systems revealed no preexisting anomalies. The engine was examined in the field and an extensive examination and teardown was conducted later in a controlled environment. The examinations did not reveal any mechanical anomalies that would have prevented the engine from producing power as designed.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09FA241 for the full record.