N6322W

On July 30, 1995, at 1502 central daylight time, a Cessna P210N, N6322W, sustained substantial damage following a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing shortly after taking off from Springfield Regional Airport, Springfield, Missouri. The private pilot and two passengers reported minor injuries, one passenger reported serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and an IFR flight plan was on file. The pleasure flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 and had an intended destination of West Houston, Texas.

In a detailed written statement, the pilot reported the preflight inspection, engine start, taxi, and engine run up were all normal. The pilot stated that he set the flaps to 10 degrees and began the takeoff roll. Takeoff was normal and the landing gear and flaps were retracted. "Shortly thereafter, it became apparent that the engine was losing power because the aircraft was not accelerating," the pilot stated. The Springfield Control Tower contacted N6322W and informed the pilot that they had observed a puff of black smoke coming from the airplane. The pilot stated that he scanned the engine instruments and fuel selector, all appeared normal. The control tower asked N6322W if he was able to climb or if he would be able to return to the airport and the pilot replied no.

The pilot stated that at this point he concentrated on selecting a place to make a forced landing. The pilot stated he selected a plowed field for its length. As the airplane got closer, the pilot saw that powerlines lined the field's boundary. The pilot stated that he was not able to lower the flaps in preparation for landing until the airplane cleared these powerlines. "Airspeed carried us to the center of the field. I saw a hedge row and small trees at the end of the plowed field and decided to try to hit them to slow the aircraft," the pilot stated. The right wing struck a tree and the airplane impacted the ground.

Postaccident examination revealed the spark plugs and valves were coated with black soot. Several of the spark plugs were oil soaked. The air conditioning controls were found in the ON position with the temperature selector on maximum cold. The fuel boost pump position could not be determined because the switches were removed by the airplane's owner prior to the FAA's arrival on site. No other anomalies were noted.