Pilot Found A Clearing Next To The Highway And Setup For A Forced Landing

Location: Cedaredge, CO Accident Number: CEN21LA001
Date & Time: October 4, 2020, 11:50 Local Registration: N9568X
Aircraft: CESSNA 210 Injuries: 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under:

On October 4, 2020, about 1150 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 210 airplane, N9568X, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Cedaredge, Colorado. The pilot and one passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

After the accident, the pilot stated that he and the passenger were departing from Blake Field Airport (AJZ), Delta, Colorado, with 60 gallons of fuel, and were en route to Casper, Wyoming. After departure to the north, he climbed along the valley parallel to the grand mesa. The airplane was at least 1,000 ft above ground level and over mountainous terrain when he noticed a gradual reduction in engine RPM. The pilot switched fuel tanks, turned on the fuel boost pump, and advanced the throttle, but the engine did not respond. The RPM kept gradually decreasing and he was no longer able to maintain altitude. The pilot found a clearing next to the highway and setup for a forced landing.

The airplane landed hard, bounced and came to rest upright next to the highway. A postimpact fire ensued and the pilot and passenger were helped away from the wreckage. The fire consumed the cockpit, fuselage, and inboard sections of both wings.

The wreckage has been recovered to a secure storage facility for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov