Cessna P210N Forced Landing Near Caledonia, Michigan (N4632A)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On September 6, 2010, at approximately 0845 eastern daylight time, a Cessna P210N, registration N4632A, operated by Centurion Aviation LLC, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain during a forced landing near Caledonia, Michigan. The aircraft was conducting an instructional flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a filed flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The local flight departed from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), near Grand Rapids, Michigan, at approximately 0800. The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to conduct an instrument proficiency check (IPC). The aircraft was fueled to full prior to departure. During the IPC, the pilot was cleared by GRR air traffic controllers to climb to 4,000 feet above mean sea level and hold as published over a GRR navigational aid. While starting the hold’s outbound leg, the pilot heard a large bang from the engine area. The pilot removed his view-limiting devices and turned north toward GRR. The CFI advised GRR air traffic controllers that the flight had a problem and was returning to GRR. The pilot and CFI realized the aircraft had no engine power and agreed to perform an off-field landing. The pilot set up for an approach to an alfalfa field. The terrain was rolling, and the aircraft impacted terrain at the base of a hill in the field, where its nose gear separated. The aircraft then careened sideways into a corn field and came to rest. Fuel leaked from the left wing’s tip tanks and ignited. The pilot turned the aircraft’s fuel selector to off. The CFI opened the emergency door, and both pilots exited. The fire was extinguished by the local fire department. According to the pilot, the total elapsed time from engine loss to impact was less than two minutes. Both the CFI and the commercial pilot reported no injuries. A post-impact ground fire occurred.