What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-12-04 involved a Cessna 210L, registration N210CT, at Harrison, AR.

In-Flight Breakup During Initial Climb in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (N210CT)

On December 4, 2002, a Cessna 210L (registration N210CT) was involved in an aviation accident near Harrison, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft and the exceedance of the manufactured limits, which resulted in an in flight break-up. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions and the clouds. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A single-engine airplane broke up in flight during initial climb after takeoff into instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot, familiar with the route, had filed a direct clearance. Witnesses reported engine overspeed followed by scraping sounds.

Accident Details

A single-engine airplane was destroyed following an in-flight breakup during initial climb after takeoff into instrument meteorological conditions. A civil flight following employee observed the airplane depart the airport to the north. A few minutes later, the airplane was observed making a right turn back toward the airport. The wreckage came to rest 2.5 miles northeast of the departure airport. The wreckage was found fragmented along the ground for approximately 2,534 feet on a northerly heading. The wing flaps were found in the up position and the landing gear was found in the retracted position.

Pilot Information

The instrument-rated commercial pilot had 3,456 hours of total flight time, with 1,700 hours in the accident aircraft model. The pilot was very familiar with the route of flight, as this was his daily scheduled flight.

Weather and Equipment

The weather at the time of departure was reported as winds from 350 degrees at 4 knots, visibility 2.5 statute miles in light snow and mist, few clouds at 800 feet, broken ceiling at 1,800 feet, and overcast skies at 2,700 feet. There was no convective system reported within a 200-mile radius of the airport. The VOR servicing the airport was out of service at the time of the accident; however, the pilot was aware and had received a clearance direct to his destination airport. The airplane was properly equipped for flight into known icing conditions. Additionally, the airplane was equipped with a backup vacuum system as well as a standby alternator system.

Wreckage and Examination

Witnesses reported that the engine "sounded great" until the pitch of the engine appeared to overspeed followed by two "long scraping sounds." The sequence of the in-flight failure could not be determined. The fractures on both wings exhibited overload signatures. The attitude indicator and directional gyro were examined. Both gyros showed indication of rotation at the time of the impact. All separations of the airframe and flight control system appeared characteristic of overload.

2002-12-04: Cessna 210L (N210CT) — Harrison, AR