Casualties unknown

1999-12-15: Cessna P210N (N450M) — Merle L. Embleton — Greenwood, DE

Greenwood, DE, US

On December 15, 1999, a Cessna P210N (registration N450M) operated by Merle L. Embleton was involved in an aviation accident near Greenwood, DE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilot to use full power for takeoff, which resulted in not obtaining a positive rate of climb and the inadvertent collision with trees. A factor was the fog. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During an IFR departure from a soft turf runway, the airplane swerved, lost directional control, and after takeoff settled into trees, resulting in an engine power loss and a gear-up landing in an open field.

Accident Narrative

The pilot initiated an IFR departure from an uncontrolled turf runway with a soft surface. The takeoff roll began with the application of full power. Shortly after, the airplane swerved to the left. The pilot responded by reducing engine power. After regaining directional control, he re-added power but did not check the power setting to confirm its level. The airplane became airborne and initially climbed out of ground effect. However, it subsequently settled into a descent and collided with trees located off the departure end of the runway. While passing through the tree branches, the engine lost power. The pilot then executed a landing with the landing gear retracted in an open field.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that visibility at the time of the accident was approximately one-half to three-quarters of a mile, and the ceiling was about 100 feet. No other conditions were specified.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage during the collision with trees and the subsequent gear-up landing. Specific damage items were not detailed in the source.

No information was provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, or number of occupants. Injuries were not reported.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20309. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.