Accident Details
On February 18, 2010, at about 1500 eastern standard time, a Cessna P210N (registration N731DS) was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The accident occurred during initial climb after takeoff from runway 23 at Moore County Airport (SOP) in Carthage, North Carolina. The certificated private pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight Sequence
The pilot reported that the engine started normally and no discrepancies were noted during pretakeoff checks. The airplane departed from runway 23, which is 5,503 feet long and 150 feet wide, with the intention of remaining in the local area to practice approaches and touch-and-go landings. As the airplane climbed to approximately 50 to 60 feet above ground level, the engine "coughed" and appeared to lose power for about 10 seconds. Shortly thereafter, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The airplane subsequently touched down on a grassy area beyond the runway and entered a ditch. During the forced landing, the nose gear separated, and the left wing contacted the ground, resulting in spar damage to the outboard 3 to 4 feet.
Aircraft and Engine Information
The airplane was equipped with a Teledyne Continental Motors TSIO-520-P6B series engine. Maintenance records indicated that the airplane had been operated for approximately 8 hours since its most recent annual inspection, performed on January 26, 2010. The engine had accumulated about 190 hours since its overhaul in May 2006. The pilot reported 4,850 hours of total flight experience on his most recent application for an FAA third-class medical certificate, dated June 24, 2009.
Examination Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the engine and did not find any catastrophic mechanical malfunctions. The fuel system was inspected and no contamination was observed; however, fuel was found in the air pressure line to the engine-driven fuel pump. The fuel servo assembly, engine drive fuel pump, manifold assembly, and fuel injectors were removed for further examination. These components were subsequently tested at Teledyne Continental Motors in Mobile, Alabama, under FAA supervision. The examinations revealed no discrepancies that would have resulted in a total loss of engine power. An unidentified residue was noted on the fuel manifold screen and fuel nozzles. According to an NTSB Chemist, energy dispersive spectroscopy identified the residue as aluminum oxide. The only aluminum component in the fuel system was the fuel manifold valve itself, and the amount of residue observed was not of sufficient quantity to affect fuel flow.