What happened
On September 14, 2020, a Cessna T 210N was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Bielefeld Windelsbleiche to Borkum. The pilot, flying solo, contacted Borkum tower to request landing permission, at which point he was informed that runway 13 was in use. Witnesses observed the aircraft approaching the runway on a steeper-than-normal glide slope.
As the aircraft touched down near the middle of the runway, it experienced a bounce, lifting off the ground again. During this subsequent movement, the aircraft tilted to the right, causing the pilot to broadcast a "MAYDAY" distress call. The aircraft subsequently veered off the runway, traveling approximately 16 and 160 meters southwest into a marshy field. Upon impact, the aircraft caught fire.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the sequence of events from the final approach through the impact and the subsequent fire. Investigators examined the wreckage, noting a 34-meter ground track leading from the runway toward the final resting position. The investigation included an analysis of the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilot's flight experience, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident.
Technical examination of the Cessna T 210N revealed that the landing gear was extended but heavily damaged, and the flaps were deployed. While the engine and propeller sustained significant damage due to the impact, investigators found no mechanical defects in the engine, spark plugs, or fuel lines. The control systems showed no evidence of failure or detached components.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a bounce during the landing roll, which led to a loss of directional control.
- The aircraft struck the ground in a marshy area, resulting in the destruction of the airframe.
- A post-crash fire occurred, which was difficult to extinguish immediately due to limited local firefighting resources.
- The pilot sustained one serious injury (severe burns) but was able to evacuate the burning wreckage independently.