Cessna P210N G-EDLC Forced Water Landing Off Cap Corse

Flight and Accident Sequence On 22 August 2015, a privately operated Cessna P210N, registration G-EDLC, departed Heubach, Germany, at approximately 10:30 local time for Calvi Sainte-Catherine under an IFR flight plan. Shortly after initial contact with Bastia air traffic control, the pilot was cleared to descend to flight level 130. During the descent, the pilot heard a loud noise and found that the engine had stopped. Restart attempts were unsuccessful, and the engine was locked. The pilot declared an emergency to Bastia control, stating that the engine was no longer running. The controller advised that the nearest aerodrome was Calvi. The pilot replied that he could not reach it and reported an altitude of 10,000 ft, a heading of 180°, a descent rate of 1,000 ft/min, and a speed of 80 kt. The controller instructed a heading of 140° toward Cap Corse to approach the coast and confirmed that search and rescue services were en route. The controller also reminded the pilot to wear life jackets and open the door before water impact. The passenger retrieved the survival raft. Shortly before the water landing, the controller provided a wind from the southeast at 10 kt. The pilot turned into the wind, opened the emergency exit, set a speed of about 70 kt, and extended the flaps to 10°. A few meters above the water, the aircraft pitched up and made a water landing. The passenger and then the pilot evacuated through the right-side emergency exit, inflated the raft, and boarded it. They were 23 nautical miles from the coast, northwest of Cap Corse. The aircraft sank shortly afterward, and both occupants were rescued quickly.