Event Overview
On 25 October 2025, at approximately 13:15 local time, a Cessna 210, registration N9417T, departed from a private airstrip in San Miguel, El Salvador, with four occupants on board—a US commercial pilot and three passengers. The destination was Ilopango International Airport (MSSS). The flight had previously completed a special parachute jump operation.
Approximately two minutes after overflying San Vicente, while maintaining an altitude between 4,000 and 4,500 feet, the pilot established radio contact with Ilopango Tower. About ten minutes later, the tower lost communication with the aircraft. Attempts to re-establish contact were unsuccessful.
A nearby aircraft, YS-178P, reported sighting N9417T flying low near the drainage area north of Lake Ilopango. Another aircraft, YS-444P, conducted a wide pattern over the area and confirmed that the Cessna 210 had landed on the ground at the Club Salvadoreño Corinto golf course.
Aircraft and Personnel
The aircraft was a 1960 Cessna 210 (serial number 57217), owned by Carlos Meza Martinez. It was equipped with a Continental TSIO-520-C engine (serial 501639, manufactured 30 September 2000). No maintenance records or weight-and-balance documentation were available. The pilot held a US FAA commercial pilot certificate with single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument ratings, issued 13 August 2016. The medical certificate was current at the time of the incident.
Engine and Indications
During the flight, the pilot observed low oil pressure and high engine temperature on the Continental TSIO-520-C engine. Post-landing inspection revealed minor oil leaks from the engine and lower fuselage. Several maintenance deficiencies were noted: missing bolts securing the alternator, loose drive belts, unattached brackets, and some bolts with excessive torque. Within the cabin, wiring was routed poorly, oil was spilled, and rags were placed near brake lines.
Landing and Aftermath
The pilot configured the aircraft with full flaps and used the remaining altitude to glide toward the golf course. The touchdown was performed at low speed, and the landing roll extended approximately 400 meters. The landing gear did not collapse, and the propeller showed no damage, indicating a controlled, soft touchdown. No structural damage occurred beyond minor deformation of some bolts on the lower wing surface. No fire ensued, and the emergency locator transmitter did not activate due to the gentle impact. All four occupants were uninjured; only the pilot was wearing a lap belt at the time of landing.
Findings
The investigation found no evidence of injuries to persons or third-party damage. Meteorological conditions—wind 360° at 12 knots, QNH 2992 hPa—were not considered a factor. The aircraft was not equipped with flight data recorders as not required by regulations. The pilot reported that the landing was a precautionary measure prompted by the low oil pressure and high temperature indications.