Unexplained Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing of Cessna 210N

Casualties unknown • Hunter’s Moon Safari Lodge, Northern Cape, ZA

A private flight in the Northern Cape ended in a forced landing after the engine of a Cessna 210N stopped unexpectedly shortly after takeoff.

What happened

On 31 July 2014, a Cessna 210N departed from Hunter’s Moon airstrip in the Northern Cape, bound for Gariep Dam aerodrome. The flight, conducted under clear skies and visual meteorological conditions, was a private operation carrying a pilot and one passenger.

Approximately three minutes into the flight, while at an altitude of roughly 1,200 feet, the engine ceased operation without any prior warning. The pilot attempted to switch fuel tanks and initiate a restart, but the low altitude prevented a successful recovery. Consequently, the pilot performed a forced landing in an open area of veld near Hunter’s Moon Safari Lodge. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a collapsed nose gear and a broken left main gear, both occupants escaped the incident without injury.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the mechanical state of the aircraft. Post-accident inspections at a maintenance facility revealed that the engine functioned normally during both airframe ground runs and test cell operations. The investigation also reviewed maintenance records, noting that the aircraft had undergone a mandatory periodic inspection just ten days prior to the accident.

Regarding fuel levels, the investigation confirmed that the aircraft had sufficient fuel to reach its destination. While the engine's operation was found to be normal after the event, the physical damage to the aircraft included the nose gear being destroyed and the fuel selector valve being damaged by the movement of the nose gear actuator through the firewall.

Findings

  • The pilot held a valid commercial license and medical certificate.
  • The aircraft was airworthy and had been recently serviced.
  • The reason for the sudden engine stoppage could not be determined, as the engine performed normally during subsequent testing.
  • It was noted as a possibility that fuel flow may have been interrupted by fuel mismanagement, potentially allowing air into the system, though this was not confirmed.
  • Weather conditions were clear and did not contribute to the accident.

Probable cause

An unsuccessful forced landing following an engine failure shortly after takeoff, the underlying cause of which remained undetermined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-07-31 Cessna 210N accident near Hunter’s Moon Safari Lodge, Northern Cape, ZA?

A private flight in the Northern Cape ended in a forced landing after the engine of a Cessna 210N stopped unexpectedly shortly after takeoff.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-07-31 involved a Cessna 210N, registration ZS-TIC, at Hunter’s Moon Safari Lodge, Northern Cape, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An unsuccessful forced landing following an engine failure shortly after takeoff, the underlying cause of which remained undetermined.

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