Accident Overview
On June 13, 2024, about 1510 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna P210N, registration N36RW, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Reno, Nevada. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Flight Sequence
The pilot reported that an annual inspection had been completed on the airplane, which included an inspection of the electrical system and replacement of the alternator field circuit breaker. On the day of the accident, he was returning the airplane from the maintenance facility at Reno/Stead Airport (RTS) to Carson City Airport (CXP). During preflight, he estimated the left-wing tank contained about 20 gallons of fuel and the right-wing tank about 1 gallon. He selected the left tank for departure, noting the 13-minute flight had adequate fuel.
ADS-B data showed the airplane departed runway 26 about 1503, turned south, and climbed to 6,700 ft mean sea level. Engine data monitor (EDM) showed normal indications during takeoff climb. About one minute later, voltage began reducing from 28 volts, continuing to about 11.6 volts near the end of the 7-minute flight. The pilot reported the battery alarm activated and the alternator circuit breaker had opened. He closed the breaker, then saw voltage dropping rapidly and the ammeter showing discharge. He elected to return to the airport and prepared to manually lower the gear. According to the pilot, “seconds later,” the engine lost power.
About 1506, ADS-B showed the airplane, about 6.5 miles southwest of the airport, turned left 180°, followed by a shallow continuous left turn for 5 miles while maintaining about 6,400 ft msl. The airplane then turned right and descended toward the airport, consistent with entering base leg for runway 26. EDM data indicated fuel flow reduced from 19.7 GPH to about 0.1 GPH from 1508:53 to 1509:17, while exhaust gas temperatures increased from 1306-1384°F to 1478-1579°F at 1509:05 before decreasing. At that time, the airplane was about 1 mile from the approach end of runway 26 at about 760 ft agl.
After determining a landing was assured, the pilot lowered the landing gear using the lever, activating the electrically powered hydraulic motor. During touchdown, the airplane veered left. The pilot attempted to correct, but it veered right and departed the runway surface onto gravel. Postaccident examination revealed the landing gear had collapsed, and contact with the ground substantially damaged the left horizontal stabilizer and left elevator.
Postaccident Findings
The pilot reported seeing fuel leaking from the left-wing tank and front cowling after the accident. Examination revealed about 6 gallons of fuel remained in the left tank and about 1 gallon in the right tank. The engine started and ran normally in a test run. The alternator remained secured to its mounting pad; all electrical wires were secure. One wire attached to the ground service contactor could be moved at its attachment point with hand force, and the alternator ground cable strap could be moved with moderate hand force. The alternator and voltage regulator both tested normally. Visual inspection of the circuit breaker panel found no loose wires. The battery held voltage. Examinations revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Maintenance records showed the alternator had a suspected problem and was on a squawk list before the annual inspection. On June 13, 2024, the annual inspection, electrical system inspection, and alternator field circuit breaker replacement were completed. A new battery and overhauled alternator were installed on December 16, 2020.
Pilot Operating Handbook Procedures
The Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) emergency procedures for insufficient rate of charge describe steps to reactivate the alternator system and note that battery power must be conserved for later operation of landing gear and flaps. The POH also states 1.5 gallons of unusable fuel in each tank. The Cessna Pilot Safety and Warning Supplement advises that in certain flight maneuvers, fuel may move away from the tank outlet, potentially causing temporary power loss, and recommends limiting uncoordinated flight to 30 seconds when fuel in the selected tank is ¼ full or less.