History of Flight
On January 2, 2017, about 0937 mountain standard time, a Cessna T210K, registration N272EF, was destroyed when it collided with mountainous terrain near Payson, Arizona. The private pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to N9402M Aviation, LLC, of Phoenix, Arizona. The personal flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight that departed Scottsdale Airport (SDL) at 0912 and was destined for Telluride, Colorado.
According to the co-owner, the pilot planned to fly from SDL, where the airplane was based, to Colorado with his family for their annual vacation.
FAA radar data showed the airplane departed SDL at 0912 and proceeded north. The final radar target was at 0937:39 at a Mode C altitude of 6,700 ft msl, about 0.07 nm east of the accident site. The pilot did not receive VFR flight following services or contact low altitude sectors.
An Electronics International MVP-50P electronic display device was recovered. Its internal clock battery had dislodged, causing time discrepancies. Engine data showed no anomalies during flight. GPS data indicated the airplane maintained a straight course to the accident site on the Mogollon Rim.
Family members notified authorities around 2100 after being unable to reach the occupants. An ALNOT was issued at 2252, and the wreckage was discovered the following morning at 0427 in a wooded area on the rising face of the Mogollon Rim.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating but no instrument rating. His most recent third-class medical certificate was issued April 10, 2015, with no limitations, reporting 295 total flight hours. His last recorded logbook entry was dated August 28 with the remark "Flight Review," though the year was not indicated. A separate entry showed a flight review on May 11, 2016. The co-owner stated the pilot made fewer than five cross-country flights per year and flew locally for currency.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was manufactured in 1970 and had a Continental TSIO-520R turbocharged engine. The most recent annual inspection was completed October 21, 2016, at 4,307 hours tachometer time; the engine had 311 hours since major overhaul. At the accident, tachometer time was 4,323 hours. A fuel receipt showed 42 gallons of 100LL purchased at 0845. The co-owner had returned the airplane with about 44 gallons about 4 days prior. The airplane was equipped with a Garmin 750 GPS with TAWS and an engine analyzer installed in April 2016. Weight and balance computations for two baggage scenarios showed the center of gravity within the moment envelope.
Meteorological Information
At 0935, weather at Payson Airport (PAN), 11 nm south of the accident site, included wind variable at 4 knots gusting to 10 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, overcast ceiling at 300 ft agl, temperature 2°C, dew point 1°C, and altimeter 30.11 inHg. Satellite imagery showed extensive cloud cover moving west to east. The airplane departed in VMC, entered a mix of IMC/VMC above 7,000 ft, then entered IMC about 20 nm south of the accident site and remained in IMC. Pilot reports near the time indicated cloud tops at 11,000 ft and bases between 5,900 and 6,400 ft. Light rime icing was reported about 90 minutes after the accident. AIRMETs SIERRA and TANGO were valid, forecasting IMC, mountain obscuration, and moderate turbulence. Sedona Airport TAF called for low ceilings. There was no record of the pilot receiving a weather briefing from any source. Two days prior, the co-owner advised the pilot to drive due to the forecast.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane came to rest on the south face of the Mogollon Rim at about 6,601 ft elevation. The initial impact point was identified by an aluminum fragment in a 50-foot tree and broken branches. A ground scar was found 40 ft forward, with wing and elevator fragments along the debris path to the main wreckage 80 ft away. The main wreckage consisted of engine, fuselage, and tail section displaced 30° upward. Control cable continuity was established. The flap jackscrew measured 4.4 inches, consistent with flaps retracted. The elevator trim actuator screw was separated. The airplane had 2-point lap belts; no shoulder harnesses. Passengers' lap belts were found clasped; the pilot's belt was partially recovered. Both wing fuel tanks were breached, with an odor of aviation gasoline. The fuel strainer contained uncontaminated fuel. The fuel selector was positioned on the left tank detent and functioned normally. The vacuum pump was normal; the autopilot switch was in the ON position. Engine examination revealed impact damage but no pre-impact anomalies. Thumb compression and suction were obtained on all cylinders. Spark plugs showed normal wear. The oil filter and sump were clean. The fuel manifold contained clean fuel; some nozzles had mud contamination. The right magneto produced spark; the left magneto was damaged and did not. The three-blade propeller exhibited bending and gouging consistent with impact.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy determined the pilot's cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicological tests showed no carbon monoxide or ethanol; tadalafil was present. Tests on two passengers indicated no carbon monoxide. All four occupants suffered severe traumatic injuries.
Tests and Research
The airplane was equipped with a Pointer model 3000 ELT broadcasting on 121.5 MHz. Albuquerque ARTCC received four ELT reports from aircraft between 0938 and 0942, which were forwarded to the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. The Cospas-Sarsat satellite system ceased processing 121.5 MHz signals in February 2009.