What happened
On April 9, 2009, a Cessna T210N, registration N127TC, crashed into an orange grove near Edinburg, Texas. The flight departed from McAllen Miller International Airport (KMFE) at 0750 for Sugarland Regional Airport (KSGR) under visual flight rules.
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot contacted air traffic control to report engine issues. At 0754, the pilot stated he was experiencing engine problems and intended to land in Edinburg. By 0755, the pilot reported that the engine RPM would not maintain and that the aircraft was losing altitude. At 0756, the pilot indicated he would not reach Edinburg and would be landing in a problematic area. The aircraft then impacted the ground, followed by a post-impact fire.
Witnesses near the site observed the aircraft flying low with a rough, sputtering engine. One witness noted the wings appeared to be wobbling and the tail was low. The aircraft struck four separate sets of power lines over a distance of approximately 1.7 miles before the final impact.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage, which was located between rows of orange trees. The investigation documented four distinct wire strike locations. The first strike occurred 1.5 miles south of the main wreckage, and subsequent strikes occurred at intervals, including one near Monte Cristo Road. The left wing showed a witness mark consistent with a wire impact, and black cables were found wrapped around the wing.
An examination of the Teledyne Continental Motors TSIO-520R engine was conducted. While the bottom bank of spark plugs was covered in engine oil, the engine was able to be rotated by hand with compression noted in all six cylinders. A later teardown of the engine in a controlled environment revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have prevented the engine from producing power as designed.
An autopsy of the pilot determined the cause of death was blunt force head trauma and thermal burns. Toxicological tests were negative for drugs and alcohol, though carbon monoxide was detected, consistent with the post-impact fire.