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Single-Engine Airplane Impacted Terrain During Night Approach (N6877M)

Watsonville, CA, US

On September 1, 2001, a Cessna T210M (registration N6877M) was involved in an aviation accident near Watsonville, CA. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night localizer approach in weather below minimums, a single-engine airplane struck terrain 3 miles from the runway. The pilot, who died 25 days later, reported engine failure. Postcrash fire destroyed the cockpit and inboard wings; the engine ran satisfactorily afterward.

Incident Overview

A single-engine airplane impacted terrain while on final approach during hours of darkness. The accident occurred approximately 3 miles from the runway as the pilot was executing a localizer instrument landing system approach. At the time, reported weather conditions at the airport were below the minimums required for that approach.

Pilot Statement and Fatalities

The pilot communicated to early responders that they had lost the engine, stating, "I lost my engine." The pilot survived the initial impact but died 25 days after the accident.

Damage and Fire

A postcrash fire ensued, destroying the cockpit area and the inboard sections of both wings. The fire also consumed a large area of surrounding vegetation.

Fuel Analysis

Fueling records and a fuel consumption calculation indicated that the airplane should have had sufficient fuel on board for approximately 3 hours of additional flight.

Engine Examination

The engine was peripherally involved in the fire. Subsequently, it was run on an engine test stand and performed satisfactorily.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Sept 2001 Cessna T210M accident near Watsonville, CA?

During a night localizer approach in weather below minimums, a single-engine airplane struck terrain 3 miles from the runway. The pilot, who died 25 days later, reported engine failure. Postcrash fire destroyed the cockpit and inboard wings; the engine ran satisfactorily afterward.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Sept 2001 Cessna T210M accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Sept 2001 involved a Cessna T210M, registration N6877M, at Watsonville, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010910X01910. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.