On July 30, 1995, a Cessna P210N (registration N6322W) was involved in an aviation accident near Springfield, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the partial loss of engine power due to fouled spark plugs as a result of an improper fuel/air mixture. A factor in the accident was the powerlines. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot sensed engine power loss and executed a forced landing in a field. After clearing powerlines, the pilot intentionally struck trees to slow the aircraft. Postaccident examination revealed soot-covered spark plugs and valves, oil-soaked spark plugs, and air conditioning controls set to maximum cold.
Accident Overview
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the engine was losing power as the airplane was not accelerating. The engine instruments and fuel selector all appeared normal. The control tower reported a puff of black smoke coming from the airplane.
Pilot Actions
The pilot selected a field to make a forced landing. He stated that he was not able to lower the flaps until the airplane cleared powerlines that lined the field's boundary. Airspeed carried the airplane to the center of the field, so the pilot decided to hit a hedge row of trees in order to slow the airplane down. The right wing struck a tree and the airplane impacted the ground.
Postaccident Findings
Postaccident examination revealed the spark plugs and valves were coated with black soot. Several spark plugs were oil soaked. The air conditioning controls were found in the 'on' position with the temperature selector on maximum cold. The fuel pump position could not be determined because the switches were removed prior to the FAA's arrival on site. No other anomalies were noted.