What happened
On February 15, 2026, at approximately 1805 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 210B, registration N9735X, was involved in an accident near Camarillo, California. The flight originated from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada, departing at 1623.
While flying southwest at an altitude of approximately 8,500 feet mean sea level, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot declared an emergency with air traffic control and requested an approach to Camarillo Airport (CMA). Following this declaration, the aircraft began a descent and turned toward the airport, but no further communications were established.
The aircraft struck a large tree and a fence before coming to a stop on a gravel access road for a water canal in a residential area, located roughly 2.25 miles from the approach end of runway 26. The accident resulted in 1 fatality and 1 serious injury.
The investigation
Investigators found a debris field approximately 1,190 feet long. During the recovery of the wreckage, the right outboard wing was found separated within the impacted tree, and the right wing strut was located at the bottom of the canal. The right wing exhibited a breach near the wing root area. During the recovery process, approximately 20 gallons of fuel were removed from the left wing tank.