On July 14, 2004, a Cessna 210M (registration N6043N) operated by Waldo D. Freeman was involved in an aviation accident near Quarryville, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper maintenance performed on the airplane, which resulted in a total electrical failure during cruise flight in IMC, and a subsequent precautionary landing. A factor in the accident was the low ceiling. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane experienced a total electrical failure while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot descended to 700 feet AGL and located a road for a precautionary landing, during which the nose gear struck mud and collapsed. Investigation revealed 11 of 12 battery cells were dry, with maintenance performed two months prior.
Incident Overview
An airplane encountered a total electrical failure while operating in instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot successfully maneuvered the aircraft to descend to 700 feet above ground level (AGL) and identified a road suitable for a precautionary landing. During the landing attempt, the nose gear contacted mud and subsequently collapsed.
Post-Accident Examination
A detailed examination of the airplane after the incident revealed that 11 of the 12 battery cells were found to be dry. This condition likely contributed to the electrical failure. Further investigation into the aircraft's maintenance history indicated that the battery had been replaced with a serviceable unit approximately two months prior to the event.
Maintenance History
The maintenance work, performed about two months before the accident, included the replacement of the old battery with a serviceable battery. The dry condition of the majority of battery cells suggests a potential issue with the battery's serviceability or maintenance procedures, though no explicit causal link is established in the available information.
What happened in the 14 Jul 2004 Cessna 210M accident near Quarryville, PA?
An airplane experienced a total electrical failure while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot descended to 700 feet AGL and located a road for a precautionary landing, during which the nose gear struck mud and collapsed. Investigation revealed 11 of 12 battery cells were dry, with maintenance…
Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jul 2004 Cessna 210M accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Jul 2004 involved a Cessna 210M, registration N6043N, operated by Waldo D. Freeman, at Quarryville, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Improper maintenance performed on the airplane, which resulted in a total electrical failure during cruise flight in IMC, and a subsequent precautionary landing. A factor in the accident was the low ceiling.
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