Water And Other Contaminants Were Recovered From The Left And Right Header Fuel Tanks

Location: Waxahachie, TX Accident Number: CEN20LA132
Date & Time: 03/25/2020, 1655 CDT Registration: N5553C
Aircraft: Cessna T210 Injuries: 1 Serious

On March 25, 2020, about 2155 UTC, a Cessna T210 airplane, N5553C, experienced a partial loss of engine power near Waxahachie, TX.

The private pilot sustained serious injury. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and it is unknown if a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight plan had been filed for the flight.

Witnesses observed the airplane takeoff and reported the engine did not sound like it was making takeoff power. The airplane reached about 100 ft above ground level (AGL), started a right turn, and then made a hard left turn. The airplane then descended nose down and impacted terrain. The airplane cartwheeled two times before coming to rest upright. The left wing was fractured mid-span and the engine was separated from the fuselage. Water and other contaminants were recovered from the left and right header fuel tanks. The wreckage was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov