Introduction
On 14 September 2018, a Cessna T210F, serial number T210-0097, registration CP-2869, was involved in an accident near Trinidad, Bolivia. The aircraft was a single-engine, high-wing, retractable-gear airplane in the Normal category. The owner was Jose Luis Rodric, and the operation was private, based in Trinidad.
Flight Details
The flight was planned as a visual flight rules (VFR) trip from Trinidad Airport (SLTR) to Santa Rosa del Yacuma (SLSR) and return. The pilot filed flight plan number 081221 with the ARO/AIS office of AASANA at Trinidad. The estimated flight time was one hour, with an alternative airport of Rurrenabaque. The aircraft had three persons on board: the pilot and two passengers. The pilot held a Private Pilot license with single-engine land ratings and had 788 total flight hours, with 300 hours on type. The aircraft was fueled with AV-GAS 100/130, loaded with 40 US gallons in each main tank and 12 US gallons in each auxiliary tank.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft departed Trinidad at 12:19 local time. The last communication from the pilot was a readback to the tower on frequency 118.5 MHz. The pilot did not report leaving the control zone or declare any emergency. The accident occurred at approximately 12:27 local time, about 13 nautical miles from the Trinidad VOR on the 300 radial, at coordinates S14°44'594" W065°07423". The aircraft struck the terrain in a nose-down attitude in an open low-lying area near the San Lorenzo ranch. The propeller was embedded in the ground, with one blade undamaged. There was no dispersion of aircraft parts. Fuel was scattered over a radius of 20 meters. The aircraft came to rest facing south.
Aircraft and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, cabin, landing gear, engine, and propeller. The pilot and two passengers sustained fatal injuries. The pilot and passengers were Bolivian nationals. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid until 11 September 2019, and the insurance coverage was valid until 31 July 2019.
Investigation
The accident was investigated by the Bolivian Civil Aviation Authority's Accident Investigation and Prevention Unit (Unidad AIG). The on-site investigation took place on 15 September 2018, after a ground search and recovery operation. The investigation found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure or emergency declaration. The report did not state a probable cause.