Airplane Was At A Cruise Altitude Of 6,500 Ft Mean Sea Level When The Pilot Heard A “Loud Bang”

Location: Paris, TN Accident Number: ERA24LA095
Date & Time: January 21, 2024, 18:25 Local Registration: N3857Y
Aircraft: Cessna 210D Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On January 21, 2024, about 1825 eastern standard time, a Cessna 210D, N3857Y, was substantially damaged when it was involved in accident near Paris, Tennessee. The flight instructor and a private pilot were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

According to the private pilot, the flight instructor was acting as a safety pilot, while he flew to different airports to build additional flight time for his instrument rating. They departed McKellar-Sipes Reginal Airport (MKL), Jackson, Tennessee, about 1700 and flew to Kyle-Oakley Field Airport (CEY), Murray, Kentucky, for a touch-and-go landing. They then intended to return to MKL.

The airplane was at a cruise altitude of 6,500 ft mean sea level when the pilot heard a “loud bang” and the airplane started to “shake violently.” The flight instructor took over control of the airplane and they diverted to Henty County Airport (PHT), Paris, Tennessee. The engine subsequently lost all power, and they knew that the airplane would not be able to reach the runway at PHT. They intended to land in the grass before the beginning of the runway, but the airplane’s main landing gear contacted the airport perimeter fence, which resulted in a noseover and substantial damage to the wings and firewall.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov