What happened
On August 22, 2015, a Cessna P210N, registration G-EDLC, departed Heubach, Germany, on a private IFR flight bound for Calvi Sainte-Catherine, France. While descending to FL130, the pilot heard a loud noise followed by a complete engine failure. Attempts to restart the TCM TSIO-520P engine were unsuccessful as the engine had seized.
After notifying Bastia air traffic control of the emergency, the pilot was advised to head toward the coast at Cape Corse. Following instructions from the controller, the pilot prepared for a ditching by opening the emergency door, donning life jackets, and configuring the aircraft with 10 degrees of flaps. The pilot turned into the wind to manage the descent. Just before impact, the aircraft pitched up and struck the water. The pilot and passenger successfully evacuated through the right-side emergency door into a life raft. The aircraft sank shortly after the ditching in approximately 1,500 meters of water.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure and the emergency procedures executed during the descent. The engine had reached its manufacturer-defined life limit in May 2015, though it was permitted to continue operating under specific inspection conditions. A recent annual inspection conducted in early August 2015 had specifically checked the engine for age-related issues and found no anomalies. Because the wreckage was located in deep water, no physical examination of the engine could be performed to identify the specific mechanical cause of the seizure.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an engine failure in flight.
- The pilot's familiarity with ditching procedures and the timely arrival of rescue services contributed to the safety of the occupants.
- The use of life jackets by both occupants and the controller's instructions regarding door preparation and wind direction were critical factors in minimizing the consequences.
- The aircraft was equipped with a life raft, which was deployed by the passenger during the emergency.